Digestive System

Metabolism and Nutrition

What is the Food Guidance System?

The Food Guidance System (MyPyramid) is an educational tool to help individuals implement the Dietary Guidelines for Americans published jointly by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The current system maintains the shape of the familiar food guide pyramid, but it is personalized for age, sex, and individual physical activity levels. The new pyramid symbol in MyPyramid features six vertical color bands representing the five food groups and oils. Each food group narrows toward the top to indicate moderation. The stylized symbol of a person climbing the steps is to encourage physical activity.



The Food Pyramid, which was revised by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2005, is divided into colored sections. From left to right, the sections are: grains, vegetables, fruits, fat and oils, milk, meat and beans. USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.