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Food Group Pyramid |
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The Food Group Pyramid has seen several changes and simplifications over the years, though the actual groups are still the same in the new Food Pyramid. What makes them different however is not just the presentation, but the approach to taking forward the food group pyramid to the lay person as well. Thus, the new MyPyramid Tracker enables you to shop for your groceries based on the practical suggestions of the USDA based on the Dietary Recommendations for Americans. The food group pyramid offers a comprehensive guide to people on the amount that they should eat from the different food groups, as each food item is divided into.
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This division of food is based on the type of nutrients that each offers in relation with the total calorie intake through the day. The new food groups thus included in the food guide are thus as follows.
- Grains
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Milk
- Meats and beans
- Oils
Each of the category pertains to the specific nutritional requirements of the body, along with a rough guide to the amount that each needs to be consumed. But do keep in mind that your meal must include food items from all the different food groups and not just one. Each food group is equally important in your diet, a fact not explicitly outlined in the earlier food group pyramid. Besides, there are some specific guidelines in the different food groups. Thus for instance, there is a special stress on whole grains, rather than on refined grains, where the grains group is concerned. Some of the wholegrain items include wholewheat flour, oatmeal, cracked wheat, brown rice and whole cornmeal, among others. Some of the items in the vegetables section include Orange vegetables, dark, green vegetables, starchy vegetables, dry beans and peas and other vegetables. Fruits are one of the healthiest items in the whole food group pyramid, with the recommended amount being a cup of fruit. The milk group contains several other items including milk, milk based desserts, cheese and yogurt, among others. In the meats and beans section, the focus of the food guide is on lean and low fat meats, including chicken and fish. A difference is made in the healthy and non-healthy fats.
At the same time, the new food group pyramid also makes available some great tips, advices and suggestions for the different food groups of the pyramid. Besides this, the different amounts is offered in terms of the physical activities of the person. Thus, an athletic person would probably need greater proportions of proteins, while a diabetic needs to avoid all forms of salty food items. There is a separate section for each of the food groups, offering guidelines and recommendations on the various aspects of the same. The language is simple and easy to understand, giving an idea to people on how they can “spend” their calories on luxury goods and food items, which is over and above the staple food groups. Besides the food group guide, there is also the online tool of MyPyramid Tracker, which together offers a fresh interactive face to the new food pyramid guide, unlike the previous food guide pyramid.
Know more about the changes in the Food Pyramid at Food Pyramid History.
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