Food Pyramid Transformation In 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.

Grains 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

Vegetables MyPyramid 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

Fruits MyPyramid 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

Oils MyPyramid 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

Milk MyPyramid 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

Meats MyPyramid 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