What is the food pyramid?

The food pyramid is a guide of what and how much people should eat per day in each food group. It was developed by US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and supported by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The shape immediately suggests that some foods are good and should be eaten often, and that others aren't so good and should be eaten only occasionally. The layers represent major food groups that contribute to the total diet.

The pyramid is based on USDA’s research on what foods Americans eat and what nutrients are in these foods. There are six groups that make up the pyramid: grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, beans, and oils.

It’s important to eat a variety of foods each day. The body, like a car, needs fuel, Food is fuel for people. Just like a car that doesn’t run well when it gets the wrong kind of gas, a person may feel tired or sluggish or may become sick if he or she doesn’t get the necessary nutrients.
What is the food pyramid?