The food pyramid was developed under the auspices of the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to promote improved nutrition and well-being of Americans. The design of MyPyramid for Kids illustrates several messages to help build a healthy, balanced diet. "A Close Look at MyPyramid for Kids" is a special section on the MyPyramid website for children aged 6 to 11 years which outlines these messages.
The Pyramid Symbol
The kids' food guide pyramid uses colored bands represent the food groups---grains, vegetables, fruits, oils, milk, and meat and beans. The bands are different widths to indicate more foods should be chosen from some groups than others. Choosing foods and amounts within the pyramid guidelines will add up to a balanced diet that meets the recommendations for protein, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients such as fiber.
Choose Healthier Foods
The USDA recommends kids "choose healthier foods from each group". Each food group contains some foods which are more nutritious. On the official food pyramid website, the "Tips for Families" section gives some specifics: In the grain group the goal is for half the intake to be from whole grain sources. Whole wheat bread and brown rice are examples. In the protein group, leaner choices are better, such as dry beans, poultry or fish, as opposed to fatty meat like bacon.
Eat More From Some Food Groups Than Others
The widths of the colored bands clearly display that more should be consumed from the grains group and the milk group than from the oils group or the meat group. For an active child, at least 6 servings of grains per day are important for energy. Milk and dairy products are important for strong bones. Two cups of milk per day (or the equivalent, such as one cup of yogurt and one ounce of cheese) meet the needs of children up to age 8. Older children need three servings of dairy per day.
"Every Color Every Day"
The "Every Color Every Day" message from the food pyramid website reminds kids to eat foods from every food group every day to get a variety of nutrients. Vegetables are represented by the green band and kids should get 2.5 cups per day. A serving is 1/2 cup cooked vegetables or 1 cup raw. Kids should get at least 3 servings per day from the fruit group and most of this should be fresh fruit rather than juice. The fruit itself provides fiber and is more filling.
More Tips for a Healthy Kid's Diet
Choose dark green and orange-colored vegetables for a richer source of nutrients within the "green" group. Avoid foods and beverages with sugar as the first ingredient, as sugars provide calories but little nutrition. Everyone needs oils in their diet but the best sources are from nuts and vegetable oils; fried foods should be limited.
"Take One Step at a Time"
On "A Close Look at MyPyramid for Kids" the "Take One Step at a Time" message reminds kids they do not have to make major changes all at once. Finding one new way to improve each day will result in a healthier diet. The main message underneath the MyPyramid for kids image is: "Find your balance between food and fun".
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