The Food Guide Pyramid: Building the Foundation

This is the first in a series of 6 articles focused on integrating the USDA Food Guide Pyramid into your family's daily diet. The Food Guide Pyramid is a model for healthy eating, first introduced in 1992 by the U.S.Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Pyramid model serves as a visual tool for introducing and learning proper nutrition. The five standard food groups are arranged within a pyramid shape to help consumers understand and remember the daily variety of foods necessary for vibrant good health for people of all ages and dietary needs.

The USDA based the Food Guide Pyramid on extensive research findings about nutrient needs and health maintenance. The model was designed to help people put this research into action, by incorporating the U.S. Dietary Guidelines into a pyramid shaped model. The pyramid reflects what foods people should eat, what nutrients are provided in these foods, and guide consumers to choose foods that are best for their health.

The Pyramid also serves a preventative function, in that it guides consumers to regulate their intake of foods such as too much fat, especially saturated fats, cholesterol, sugar, sodium, and alcohol. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans serve as the foundation for the Food Guide Pyramid Model.

USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Eat a variety of foods to get the energy, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fiber you need for good health

Balance the food you eat with physical activity - maintain or improve your weight to reduce your chances of developing high blood pressure,heart disease, strokes, certain cancers, and diabetes.

Choose a diet with plenty of grain products, fruits, and vegetables to ensure a good intake of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and complex carbohydrates.

Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol to reduce your risk for heart disease and certain cancers, and help to maintain a healthy body weight.

Choose a diet moderate in sugars Too much sugar gives excess calories and too few nutrients for most people. Also contributes to tooth decay.

Choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium to help reduce your risk of high blood pressure and edema.

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