What Is the Food Pyramid & How Is it Used?

The food pyramid is a visual aid showing the major food groups and the number of servings a typical healthy person should have of each every day. It is frequently used to teach children about nutrition in health classes, but adults should be familiar with it as well.

Grains, Fruits and Vegetables

• The bottom tier of the pyramid represents the grain category and the highest number of daily servings, 6 to 11. Grains include breads, cereal, pasta and oats. Above grains on the pyramid are vegetables and fruits, with a recommended three to five and two to four servings, respectively.

Dairy and Meat

• Above fruits and vegetables, come the dairy and meat categories. The pyramid recommends two to three servings of dairy per day. Examples include milk, cheese and yogurt. Two to three servings of meat are also recommended (including beans and eggs).

Top Tier

• The top of the pyramid represents fat, oil and sugar. The body requires a certain amount of these ingredients, but they should not be consumed in excess.

Teaching Children About Nutrition

• One of the most common uses of the food pyramid is teaching young children about the importance of a balanced diet. The visual representation and exact serving measurements make the food pyramid easy to understand for just about any age group.

Nutrition Planning For Adults and Families

• The food pyramid is not just a useful tool for children. Adults can use it to plan for a balanced diet for themselves and their families. The USDA Reference listed below provides further information on the food pyramid as well as helpful tips and tools, including a printable nutritional tracking guide.