Nutrition

Food Pyramid

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Food Pyramid

  • See Also
  1. Nutrition Guidelines
  • Background
  1. USDA Food Pyramid is NOT recommended for dietary guidance, but kept for historical purposes
  2. USDA Food Pyramid impacted dietary guidance in the U.S. from 1992 to 2011
  • Precautions
  1. Consider the Healthy Eating Plate as an alternative
    1. See Nutrition Guidelines
  2. USDA Food Pyramid was influenced by many outside forces including the meat and dairy industry
    1. Based on Scientific Report of Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, released every 5 years
    2. However, USDA breaks with advisory board when in political conflict (e.g. meat/dairy, environment)
  • Guideline
  • USDA Standard Food Pyramid for Adults (replaced by other meal planning strategies)
  1. Fiber: 6 to 11 servings per day (5 to 10 oz grains per day)
    1. Bread
    2. Cereal
    3. Rice or Pasta
  2. Vegetables: 3-5 servings/day (2 to 4 cups/day)
  3. Fruits: 2-4 servings/day (1.5 to 2.5 cups/day)
  4. Dairy: 2 to 3 servings per day (3 cups/day)
    1. Milk
    2. Yogurt
    3. Cheese
  5. Protein: 2-3 servings per day (5-7 oz/day)
    1. Meat
    2. Poultry
    3. Fish
    4. Dry beans
    5. Eggs
    6. Nuts
  6. Fats, oils, and sweets (22 to 44 g/day, up to 36 g/day in age over 60 years)
    1. Used only sparingly
  7. Snacks (Discretionary Calories)
    1. Limit to <10 to 15% of total calories, or <100 to 440 kcals/day (up to 350 kcals/day in over age 60 years)