Food Pyramid

Definition

The food pyramid is a visual guide used to help people understand how to maintain a balanced diet by showing the recommended proportions of different food groups.

Scientific / Technical Definition

The food pyramid is a dietary guideline that represents the optimal number of servings to be eaten each day from each of the basic food groups to achieve a nutritious and balanced diet. It is structured in the shape of a pyramid, with broader bases representing food groups that should be consumed more frequently, and narrower tops representing those that should be consumed less.

Benefits

• Helps in planning balanced meals
• Encourages healthy eating habits
• Promotes variety and moderation in diet
• Aids in nutritional education

Examples

• Base layer: Grains such as bread, cereal, rice, and pasta
• Middle layer: Fruits and vegetables
• Second middle layer: Dairy, protein sources like meat, poultry, fish, beans, and nuts
• Top layer: Fats, oils, and sweets

Additional Information

• importance: The food pyramid is important for creating a structured approach to dietary choices, helping ensure all essential nutrients are consumed.

Related Terms

• Balanced Diet
• Nutritional Guidelines
• MyPlate
• Dietary Reference Intakes

References

• Understanding the Food Pyramid
• History of Dietary Guidelines