The MyPyramid food guidance system is a visual display of the types and relative amounts of the food groups that Americans should consume each day. This basic guidance tool has been in existence since 1992 and is a highly recognized symbol in American nutrition.

A major renovation of the pyramid chart was released in 2005, and is now available at: http://www.mypyramid.gov. The MyPyramid food guidance system has redefined the look and feel of the pyramid, based on current eating patterns of Americans, nutrition data, and consumer preferences. Significant changes include:

• Addition of a physical activity component (stair steps up one side of the pyramid).
  
• Emphasis on measurable quantities of food rather than “portions” or “servings”, which many consumers have trouble defining and measuring accurately.
  
• Greater specificity and availability of materials by maintaining individual (based on sex and age) and interactive pyramid charts.

MyPyramid displays six vertical colored slices representing the six food groups: Grains (orange), Vegetables (green), Fruits (red), Fats & Oils (yellow), Milk (previously “Dairy”; blue), and Meat & Beans (purple). The proportions of the pyramid slices display the general relative amounts that each food group should contribute to the diet. The presence of the steps on one side of the pyramid is a visual reminder that physical activity is a necessary part of maintaining a healthy weight and level of fitness.

At the http://www.mypyramid.gov website, users can create personalize pyramids, track physical activity and food intake, and learn more about nutrition and good health. MyPyramid for Kids is a sub-site that provides nutrition education materials for children and adolescents, including interactive games.