Pyramid Diets

Pyramid diets are based on the food pyramid developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and released in 1992. The USDA updated the pyramid and released "MyPyramid" in 2005. These diets are designed to provide necessary nutrients by including a balanced variety of foods. The pyramid allows the individual to visualize the proportions needed and to select from all food groups recommended.

The USDA Food Pyramid Diet Offers Many Choices

The purpose of the food pyramid is to help people maintain balanced nutrition no matter what their age or dietary requirements. The idea is that a toddler should eat the same variety of foods, the same proportion of each food, just in smaller quantities than an adult. A person who is trying to gain weight should eat more of each category while a person who is trying to lose weight should eat less of each category. In this manner, the individual still gets the proper nutrients, regardless of the amount of food actually eaten.

Balance is the Key to Good Nutrition

By following the food pyramid diet, a person is assured that they are including nutrients found in grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and protein foods. By eating the widest variety of these foods, you are assured of getting the most available nutrients in the diet.

The Pyramid Diet Demonstrates Quantity

By looking at the food pyramid, you may easily discern the foods you need to eat more of and those that should be limited. Grains are located in the widest section of the pyramid and represent the largest volume. The USDA recommends that grains provide the largest food group, followed by vegetables, fruits and dairy. Protein represents the smallest portion of the pyramid. Fats are recommended to be limited and may be visualized as a thin strip at the tip of the pyramid that also includes sugar and condiments.

Match Intake of Foods to Size

A small child will eat smaller amounts of each food group in the pyramid. An adult wishing to lose weight will eat more than a child, but less than a person who is maintaining an acceptable weight. Intake amounts also vary according to individual metabolism and activity levels. The USDA website has interactive tools to help personalize food choices and activities based on individual need.