USDA food pyramid for kids, adults and elderly and its importance

USDA Food Pyramid For Kids, Adults and Elderly and Its Importance

A food pyramid is basically a chart which reflects which food should be eaten in what quantity each day to maintain a good health. The chart is prepared keeping in mind the calorie content of every food. The calories, fat count and carbohydrates of the food decide how many servings of it is to be taken each day. USDA prepares food pyramid for kids and adults.

Food pyramid chart 2019

Grains are used to provide carbohydrates and some of the vitamins and minerals to the body. On the other hand, we have vegetables that give a high count of vitamins and minerals and a few fats. We also have fruits that are high in calories and also have a high sugar content. Meat give a considerable amount of protein and vitamin B and also some fat. Dairy products include milk, cheese, yogurt, etc., and are found to have a lot of calcium, some fat and high protein. The high calcium content in these products is what makes them helpful in building strong bones. Desserts and sweets are not considered healthy because they give a lot of calories, sugar and fat but are very low in nutrition. Similar is the case with oily and fatty foods.

Food Pyramid 2019

The food pyramid is USDA’s food guiding symbol that helps people have a note of their diet and make it a healthy one. It helps you know what to eat and how much of it to eat. Since decades, USDA has been successfully empowering Americans to make healthy food choices with the help of online tools, food guidance symbols and a number of publications regarding healthy food. But, this USDA food pyramid was replaced by MyPlate, as an update of USDA food pattern in 2011. This plate is a new visual cue to grab the attention of more people and motivate them to go healthy. MyPlate doesn’t specify the servings of every food. Rather it simply serves as a reminder to eat healthy. Since 2011, MyPlate is being followed.

Components of food pyramid

USDA has specified the number of servings in its food pyramid for kids, adults and elderly. Here’s a general overview of what should be the components of the food pyramid in general:

Food pyramid USDA
  • Maximum content – Grains.
  • Good amount of – Vegetables
  • Moderate content of – Egg and its alternatives (like beans) , Fish, Meat, Milk and other alternatives.
  • Minimum content – Oil/ Fat, Sweet, Sugar and Salt.
  • Have considerably good amount of fluid in form of water, juice, clear soup, etc.

Importance of Food Pyramid

Now you know what food pyramid is and how it works. But what’s the importance of food pyramid? Let’s discuss:

  • Provides dietary guidance: The food pyramid is available in an easy to follow, visual format. This provides as a dietary guidance and represents healthy eating patterns in a simpler way. It works effectively in helping people build a well-balanced, healthy diet.
  • Improves eating habits: People who follow the food pyramid end up developing a habit of eating healthy. It encourages you to ditch oily food and sweets and eat more grains, fruits and vegetables.
  • Works effectively as a reminder: The food pyramid helps you note what food you need. Anytime you feel like cheating your diet, you can have a look at the chart and remind yourself of what you need to eat.

This is all about the food pyramid. Summing up, you can say that the whole concept is about illustrating the five food groups – Grains, fruits, vegetables, protein and dairy. Follow MyPlate now and turn your diet into a healthy one and develop healthy eating habits.

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Author: Ahaana Sahay