The food guide pyramid was created in the early 1990s by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in an attempt to help Americans make the best daily food choices for a healthy diet. The food guide pyramid provides guidelines for healthy food choices as well as correct portion sizes for six basic food groups. In 2005, the USDA reworked the food guide pyramid incorporated a personalized diet guide called MyPyramid.
Grains
The grain group of the food guide pyramid is the largest group on the pyramid. The group is further divided into two categories: whole grains and refined grains. Whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread, oatmeal and brown rice, contain the entire grain kernel, which includes the bran, germ and endosperm. Refined grains, such as white bread, white rice and white pasta only contain endosperm are missing some important nutrients. Recommendations, which vary among individuals, are given in ounces.
Vegetables
The vegetable group consists of any vegetable or 100 percent vegetable juice. The vegetable group is further divided into five subgroups: dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, starchy vegetables, dry beans and peas and other vegetables. Recommendations for daily vegetable consumption are given in cups.
Fruits
Any fruit or 100 percent fruit juice belongs to the fruit group of the food guide pyramid. Like the vegetables, fruit servings are also listed in cups.
Milk
The milk group includes milk and any products that are made from milk, such as yogurt and cheese. According to the USDA, dairy products that retain their calcium content are part of the milk group, but dairy products that don't retain calcium, such as butter and cream cheese, are not. Daily recommendations for the milk group are measured in cups.
Meat and Beans
The meat and beans group of the food guide pyramid consists of meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds and dry beans or peas. When choosing foods from this food group, it is important to consider fat content. Lean meat, poultry and fish should be chosen more frequently than high-fat meats. Recommendations for meat and beans are given in ounces.
Oils
Oils are defined as fats that are liquid at room temperature. Most oils are high in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fats, which makes them heart-healthy. Recommendations for oil consumption are given in teaspoons.
Considerations
Individual recommendations vary based on age and sex. The USDA provides charts for each food group to determine each specific recommendation. In addition to food recommendations, "Nutrition and You" by Joan Salge Blake notes that the food guide pyramid also emphasizes the importance of physical activity.
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