The food pyramid is a visual representation of the types and amounts of foods that people should eat every day to attain a healthy lifestyle. There are several different types of food pyramids for different countries, cultures and dietary needs. In America, the food pyramid is developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture with help from the American Dietetic Association.
Food Groups
The main food groups in the current food pyramid for the United States are meats, beans and nuts, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, grains and water. These six categories of foods and beverages should be eaten every day, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The vegetable group includes raw or cooked vegetables, and the grains group includes foods like bread, pasta and rice.
Portions
The food pyramid includes portion amounts recommended for a healthy lifestyle. These amounts vary based on a person's sex, weight, height and physical activity level. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a 23-year-old male who is about 150 lb. and 5 feet 8 inches, and who exercises for 30 minutes a few times a week, needs about 8 oz. of grains, 3 cups of vegetables, 2 cups of fruits, 3 cups of milk or dairy products and 6.5 oz. of meats and beans daily.
Food Pyramid Changes
The food pyramid was originally developed in 1992, but has been updated recently in order to reflect a more healthy lifestyle. The old food pyramid has been replaced with My Pyramid, which can be viewed on mypyramid.gov. The main difference between the old and new food pyramids is that the new one reflects more individual nutrition requirements. The new pyramid encourages whole grains over refined grains and even has a section encouraging physical activity.
Food Pyramid Varieties
Most countries have their own version of the food pyramid, says the Mayo Clinic; Asian, Latin American and Mediterranean food pyramids include foods that are more culturally acceptable in those regions. A vegetarian food pyramid has all of the same food groups as the regular food pyramid but replaces meats and beans with beans, lentils, tofu and soy.
Using the Food Pyramid
Since the new food pyramid for the United States is based on the individual's health status, you will have to input your sex, height, weight and physical activity level to view your own recommendations. Go to My Pyramid Plan on mypyramid.gov to find out how much of each food group you should eat every day.
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