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.

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