MY PYRAMID:

‘My Pyramid’ was made public by the USDA on April 19th 2005 – and was effective till June 2 2011, after the USDA’s ‘My Plate’ replaced it. The icon on My Pyramid laid emphasis on physical activity and self-control alongside an appropriate combination of food groups in one’s diet.

• This system was quite thorough; people were urged to check out My Pyramid website for exclusive personalized nutrition guidance.
• My Pyramid featured 2 main changes from its predecessors – for one thing it showed a person climbing stairs; emphasizing the importance of physical activity and for another, it measured quantities in cups and ounces whereas it used to use ‘servings’.
• My Pyramid contains eight divisions. From left to right on the pyramid are a person and six food groups.

Physical Activity:

This is represented by a person climbing on the stairs, to illustrate moderate physical activity everyday to usual activity.

Grains:

This suggests half of the grains you eat should be whole grains.

Vegetables:   

Particularly, dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, dry beans and peas.

Fruits:

 It gives more importance to eating whole fruits rather than fruit juice.

 Oils:  

Urges to eat oils from fish, nuts and vegetable sources.

Milk:

A group that consists of fluid milk and many other milk by-products, Low fat versions can be incorporated according to the specific medical condition.

Meat and Beans:

This priority is on light and lean meats such as fish, in addition to beans, peas , nuts and seeds.
One more category of “discretionary calories” represented by a narrow tip of each colored band, includes items such as candy, alcohol or any other additional food.