Food Pyramid TransformationIn 2005, the United States Department of agriculture introduced the new a

more comprehensive food guide pyramid called “MyPyramid”. MyPyramid focuses on personalized eating plans and provides interactive

tools to help Americans plan their eating habits. The most drastic change is the importance placed on activity, signified by

the stairs to the left of MyPyramid.

GrainsGrains MyPyramid suggests

that the average American have:

At least 4 ounces of whole grain bread, cereal, cracker, pasta, and rice everyday.

Look for “whole” before the grain on your food packages

Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel (bran, germ, and

endosperm). Examples include:

whole-wheat flour bulgur (cracked wheat)

oatmeal whole cornmeal

brown rice

VegetablesMyPyramid

suggests that the average American

have:

At least 3 cups of a variety of vegetables each day

Vegetables can be raw, cooked, canned, or frozen

Eat vegetables of all different colors because they provide different nutrients

FruitsMyPyramid

suggests that the average

American have:

At least 2 cups of fruit each day

Fruit can be fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and in the form of juice

OilsMyPyramid suggests

that the average American have:

2 tablespoons per day

Most oils are high in monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats, and low in saturated fats. Oils from plant sources (vegetable and nut oils) do not contain any cholesterol.

Limit solid fats like butter and Crisco

MilkMyPyramid

suggests that the average

American have:

3 cups of low-fat/fat-free dairy per day

If you don’t consume milk, then choose lactose-free options to meet your calcium needs

MeatsMyPyramid suggests

that the average American have:

4 to 6 ounces each day

All foods made from meat, poultry, dried beans, eggs, nuts, and seeds are a part of this group.

Choose low-fat or lean meats and try baking, broiling, or grilling the meats