MyPyramid is the US Department of Agriculture's replacement for the famous Food Guide Pyramid it last released in 1992. (Remember the pyramid depicting different food groups and foods?) The USDA released MyPyramid in April 2005. Among other things, the new pyramid emphasizes the need to eat whole grains. "Most Americans consume enough grains, but few are whole grains. At least half of all the grains eaten should be whole grains." http://www.mypyramid.gov/downloads/miniposter.

As a general guideline, teach primary children MyPyramid's Five Food Groups, the foods in each group, a health benefit for each food group and how to plan a nutritious meal. Teach the same concepts at the upper elementary level, but add key nutrients for each food group, recommended amount from each goup, and Combination Foods.

The new MyPyramid (2005) is a more personalized form of the prior food guide pyramid. Not only does it implement exercise into the daily food groups, but the website www.mypyramid.gov allows you to fill in your age, gender, and level of exercise so that serving sizes and suggested daily calories are tailored to your personal needs. Also, there is a MyPyramid available for children aged 6-11, which is available at www.mypyramid.gov/kids

MyPyramid, released in April, 2005, replaces the Food Guide Pyramid. It's designed to help consumers make positive diet and lifestyle choices recommended by the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It depicts the nutrient-dense, super-foods Americans should consume each day: It also stresses physical activity. Unlike the Food Guide Pyramid, MyPyramid, includes a online tool that consumers can use to personalize the Dietary Guidelines to their individual tastes and nutrition goals.