Final answer:
The Food Guide Pyramid, updated as MyPyramid and MyPlate, guides individuals in choosing a balanced diet by showing the correct proportions of different food groups needed for a healthy lifestyle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Purpose of the Food Guide Pyramid
The purpose of the Food Guide Pyramid, which has been adopted and revised by the U.S. government as MyPyramid and now MyPlate, is to educate people about the right balance of different types of foods for a healthy diet. The pyramid is structured to represent the total amount of calories necessary for the body and shows the proportional calorie needs that should be met from different food groups. Each food group in MyPyramid is represented by a colored band, with the size of the band indicating how much food from that group should be eaten daily. At the base of the pyramid are complex carbohydrates, like grains, fruits, and vegetables, which should constitute the bulk of one's caloric intake. Foods high in fats and simple carbohydrates, such as junk food, are positioned at the apex of the pyramid, indicating these should be eaten sparingly. MyPyramid and MyPlate tools help in choosing a variety of foods to achieve a balanced diet and control the intake of added fats and sugars that provide excess calories but insufficient nutrients.