MyPyramid Plan

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Available online: http://www.mypyramid.gov/.

The food guide pyramid was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Nutrition experts have revised the guide to emphasize controlling portion sizes and making the healthiest choices possible within groups. For a personalized food guide, go to the interactive Web site: http://www.MyPyramid.gov.

One size doesn't fit all

The USDA's new MyPyramid symbolizes a personalized approach to healthy eating and physical activity. The symbol has been designed to remind consumers to make healthy food choices and to be active every day. The different parts of the symbol are described below.

• Activity: Daily physical activity is important.
• Moderation: Within each group, there are choices that are healthier (little or no solid fats or added sugars) and those that are less healthy (added sugars and solid fats). Choose healthier foods more often and less healthy foods less often.
• Personalization: The interactive Web site http://www.MyPyramid.gov allows you to personalize a food guide pyramid based on your age, your sex, and the amount of daily physical activity you get.
• Proportion: Choose foods from the groups with wide bands more often. Eat less from those groups with narrow bands.
• Variety: Choose foods from all of the food groups.
• Gradual improvement: Take small steps to improve your diet and lifestyle.