Explore the USDA Food Pyramid

The First Step of the USDA Food Pyramid - Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta

The first step of the USDA Food Pyramidis bread, cereal, rice and pasta. The USDA suggests that we eat at least three serving of whole grains each day, although the total number of servings varies for all of us. Keep in mind that one serving in this group would be equal to one half cup of rice or pasta, or one slice of bread.

The Harvard Healthy Eating Pyramid

The foundation of this Food Pyramid is not even food, it is exercise. Exercise is important for weight control and health, so it really does make a solid foundation for healthy eating. Next on the base of the Healthy Eating Pyramid is whole grains and healthy plant oils. It is important to recognize that this Food Pyramids stresses whole grains only and places rice, white breads and pastas at the top of the pyramid to be used sparingly. This is because white breads and pastas act so much like sugar and have very little fiber. Another important difference is that the Healthy Eating Pyramid allows ample amounts of healthy vegetable oils, whereas the USDA Food Pyramid is definitely low fat.

The Michigan Healing Foods Pyramid

The base of this pyramid is water. We need water, and we can't be healthy without enough water. Also at the base of this pyramid are fruits and vegetables because they contain so many vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that have healing properties.

Next: The middle steps of the Food Pyramid.