The Food Pyramid outlines various food groups and food choices that form the foundation of a healthy diet. This is true when the correct serving sizes are used. The Food Pyramid places foods in categories, such as dairy or meat and beans, to help guide you with food choices. According to the Food Pyramid you should try to eat at least the minimum number of servings from the five food groups shown in the Food Pyramid.

The Food Pyramid is one way for people to understand how to eat healthy. The Food Pyramid is based on dietary guidelines released by the USDA. Eating a healthy diet is a little easier if you base your choices on the Food Pyramid. The basic principle of the food pyramid is to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

The Food Pyramid calls for eating a variety of foods to get the nutrients you need and at the same time the right amount of calories to maintain healthy weight. It helps people visualize the amount of food in each group that they must eat in order to maintain their health. It is easy to follow for many people. The key to a healthy diet is to enjoy a wide variety of high quality foods that include fruits and vegetables.

This pyramid aims to offer sound nutrition advice that corresponds to the latest scientific research. According to federal regulations, the panel that writes the dietary guidelines must include nutrition experts who are leaders in pediatrics, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and public health.

Typically, food guides have translated nutritional standards into recommendations for daily food intake in an attempt to meet specific nutritional standards. In addition to using the pyramid as a way to remind people to eat right and exercise, the government designed a website, called My Pyramid to give specific food and exercise guidelines for each individual. Through the USDA's MyPyramid.com website, people can get personalized recommendations about the mix of foods they must eat and the appropriate serving sizes. The online dietary assessment at MyPyramid.com provides information on diet quality and offers links with additional nutrition information. After the user enters dietary information, they will receive an overall evaluation by comparing the amounts of food eaten to current nutritional guidelines.

The USDA Food Pyramid has been around for a long time, but the guidelines have changed to include more current information. The Food Pyramid has consistently offered a guide to healthy eating for several years. It is not a prescription for everyone, but a valuable reference to help you eat healthy and improve the quality of your life. Take a closer look at the Food Pyramid for great nutrition information.

By Karen M. Goeller, Fitness and Gymnastics Author