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Table of Contents
A pyramid visualizes each fundamental food category’s recommended daily serving size. Sweden released the first pyramid in 1974. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) initially released the “Food Guide Pyramid” or “Eating Right Pyramid” in 1992. MyPyramid was upgraded in 2005, and MyPlate was replaced in 2011.
See the fact file below for more information about Food Pyramid, or download the comprehensive worksheet pack, which contains over 11 worksheets and can be used in the classroom or homeschooling environment.
Key Facts & Information
Swedish origin
- In response to rising food prices, Sweden’s National Board of Health and Welfare devised the concept of “basic foods,” which were affordable and nutrient-dense, and “supplemental foods,” which provided the extra nourishment that the essential foods lacked.
- The whole foods at the bottom of the pyramid, which included bread, cereals, cheese, cheese, margarine, milk, and potatoes, were followed by a sizable part of supplemental fruit and vegetables and supplemental meat, fish, and eggs at the top.
- The National Board’s “dietary circle” competed with the pyramid and was seen negatively by KF because it looked like a cake cut into seven slices and did not specify how much should consume each meal. KF continued to support the pyramid while the Board distanced itself from it.
Food Pyramid (WHO and FAO)
- Using a table instead of a “pyramid,” the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) produced recommendations that may be successfully expressed in a food pyramid concerning aims to avoid obesity, poor nutrition, chronic illnesses, and dental caries.
- The layout resembles the USDA food pyramid in some ways. Still, there are distinct categories for different types of lipids and a more pronounced distinction between free sugars and sugars in their natural state when categorizing carbs.
- Some foods are singled out because they influence the target concerns that the “pyramid” is supposed to solve. However, in a subsequent iteration, particular suggestions are removed since other recommendations automatically follow them, and new sub-categories are created.
Food Pyramid (USDA)
History
- The USDA food pyramid, composed of six horizontal parts with images of items from each section’s food category, was developed in 1992. It was renamed MyPyramid in 2005 and upgraded with vibrant vertical wedges in place of the horizontal parts.
- The absence of the food photos made My Pyramid look more abstract when exhibited. The USDA launched its new MyPlate initiative in June 2011 to revamp food nutrition recommendations.
- MyPlate is organized into four quadrants of varying sizes, with grains and protein taking up half the area and fruits and vegetables the other half. The servings of veggies and grains are the biggest of the four.
Vegetables
- A vegetable is a plant segment that people eat, often savory rather than sweet. Vegetables are not considered grains, fruits, nuts, or herbs; the stem, root, flower, etc., are examples of edible plant parts. One should consume various vegetables since they contain varying amounts of vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.
Grains
- These foods include complex carbohydrates, which, when consumed naturally, are a rich source of energy and nourishment. Corn, rice, pasta, and wheat are among examples.
Fruits
- Fruits are sweet-tasting seed-bearing plant parts or, sometimes, delicious plant parts that do not carry seeds, as defined by gastronomy (as opposed to biology). Fruits, including apples, oranges, grapes, and bananas, are among them. Fruits, which include fibers, natural sugars, and vitamins, are low in fat and calories. Fruit processing, such as canning or juicing, may remove nutrients and increase sugars.
Dairy
- Dairy goods are made from animals’ milk, often but not always cows. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are some of them. In addition to providing protein, phosphorus, vitamin A, and vitamin D, milk and its derivative products are a good source of dietary calcium. However, compared to vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, many dairy products are rich in saturated fat and cholesterol, which is why skimmed goods are offered as an alternative.
Beans and meat
- Humans eat meat, an animal’s specific muscle, and connective tissue. There is a vast range of meats because most animal parts are edible. Protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 are all abundant in meat. Beef, chicken, hog, salmon, tuna, shrimp, and eggs are among the meat, poultry, and seafood. The meat group is one of the most condensed food categories in the pyramid.
Sweets and Oils
- The tip of a food pyramid is its minor component; thus, the diet’s proportion of fats and sweets should be the lowest possible. Salad dressings, oils, milk, butter, margarine, sweets, soft drinks, candy, and sweet desserts are some of these meals at the top of the pyramid that must be consumed in moderation. One should take these foods in moderation since they are rich in calories but have little nutritional value.
- The fat circle and sugar triangle are spread throughout the 1992-2005 pyramid to reflect naturally occurring fats and sugars in diverse meals. The aim is to limit the desire to consume such much junk food and extra fats and sugars because the remainder of the diet already has plenty of fat and sugar.
Alternatives for the USDA Pyramid
- In place of the Food Guide Pyramid, the Harvard School of Public Health suggests a healthy eating pyramid focusing on veggies, healthy meats, and healthy fats.
- The Healing Foods Pyramid from the University of Michigan Integrative Medicine emphasizes plant-based options, variety, and balance. There are divisions for healthy fats, water, and spices.
MyPlate
- The United States Department of Agriculture’s most recent nutrition guide, The place settings for the five meal categories on MyPlate include a plate and a glass. On June 2, 2011, it replaced the USDA’s MyPyramid manual, ending the USDA’s 19-year use of food pyramid illustrations.
Food Pyramid Worksheets
This bundle contains 11 ready-to-use Food Pyramid Worksheets that are perfect for students who want to learn more about a food pyramid or diet pyramid, which is a pyramid-shaped diagram representing the optimal number of servings to be eaten each day from each of the basic food groups.
Download includes the following worksheets:
- Food Pyramid Facts
- My Personal Pyramid
- My Community
- Local Food Pyramid
- Glow Foods – Glow Baskets
- Grow Foods – Identification
- Dish Delights
- Go Foods – Go Word Find
- Daily Diet – Diet Check
- Reflection
- Key Answer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Food Pyramid?
A food pyramid visualizes each fundamental food category’s recommended daily serving size.
Where does the food pyramid originate?
In response to rising food prices, Sweden’s National Board of Health and Welfare devised the concept of “basic foods,” which were affordable and nutrient-dense, and “supplemental foods,” which provided the extra nourishment that the essential foods lacked.
What do WHO and FAO recommend that is similar to USDA Food Pyramid?
Using a table instead of a “pyramid,” the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) produced recommendations that may be successfully expressed in a food pyramid concerning aims to avoid obesity, poor nutrition, chronic illnesses, and dental caries.
What is USDA Food Pyramid?
The USDA food pyramid, composed of six horizontal parts with images of items from each section’s food category, was developed in 1992. It was renamed MyPyramid in 2005 and upgraded with vibrant vertical wedges in place of the horizontal parts.
What is an alternative to USDA Food Pyramid?
In place of the Food Guide Pyramid, the Harvard School of Public Health suggests a healthy eating pyramid focusing on veggies, healthy meats, and healthy fats. The Healing Foods Pyramid from the University of Michigan Integrative Medicine emphasizes plant-based options, variety, and balance. There are divisions for healthy fats, water, and spices.
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Link will appear as Food Pyramid Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, September 14, 2017
Use With Any Curriculum
These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.