My, my, my... we have come such a very long way in understanding how nutrition and exercise work together for healthy minds and bodies ...and longevity! The old Food Pyramid pictured above dates back to 2002 and although the concept of food groups remains much the same, the NEW FOOD PYRAMID approach clearly recognizes that "One size doesn't fit all."

The USDA has come a very long way in designing new dietary guidelines with the "My Pyramid" line-up of helpful websites and online interactive tools to help you get the best nutrition guidelines for you and your family.

Even better, they've broken it down to specific needs...

If you haven't yet visited the NEW Food Pyramid group of websites, you're missing out on some of the excellent -- and free -- online interactive tools that can help you and your family keep on track for an active and healthy lifestyle. Click here to go inside the NEW Food Pyramid.

The New Food Pyramid Dietary Guidelines

The USA Federal Government Dietary Guidelines are jointly issued and updated every 5 years by the Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS). They provide authoritative advice for people two years and older about how good dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines remain the current guidance until the 2010 Dietary Guidelines are published.

Click here to learn more about the 2005 Dietary Guidelines (pdf version) presented through the Federal Government's Food Pyramid website. The recommendations in the 2005 Dietary Guidelines are for Americans over 2 years of age.

Throughout most of this publication, examples use a 2,000-calorie level as a reference for consistency with the Nutrition Facts Panel. Although this level is used as a reference, recommended calorie intake will differ for individuals based on age, gender, and activity level. At each calorie level, individuals who eat nutrient-dense foods may be able to meet their recommended nutrient intake without consuming their full calorie allotment. The remaining calories-the discretionarycalorie allowance-allow individuals flexibility to consume some foods and beverages that may contain added fats, added sugars, and alcohol.

Click here for a sneak peek at who the people are behind the scenes working on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines.

The MyPyramid Collection of Websites

Start out right as a new mom or mom-to-be with the tips and tools provided in this section of the new MyPyramid website. Includes a MyPyramid Plan for Moms where you can design your optimum plan. Click here for the MyPyramid Plan for Moms.

MyPyramid for Preschoolers is for children 2 to 5 years of age and is host to several online tools to help you help your preschooler. Create a growth chart to monitor your preschooler's development, find sample meal patterns for meals and snacks, get tips to help them develop healthy eating and activity habits, and more. Click here for MyPyramid for Preschoolers.

MyPyramid for Kids contains materials designed specifically for children aged 6 to 11 including exciting interactive online games to help teach them about good nutrition. Help for families with children as well as great classroom training materials, this is the site you want to visit if you have children in the 6 to 11 years of age range. Click here for MyPyramid for Kids.

The MyPyramid Menu Planner is an interactive website where you can determine your personal MyPyramid goals. Then you can start planning menus by searching for foods and beverages you plan to eat and you can save your menu choices for later by registering. Registration is completely free. Support your nutrition goals with this highly interactive website... click here to register for your free MyPyramid Menu Planner.

You Are What You Eat? Maybe...

Choosing The Right Diet For You

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