What Is Meant By the Food Pyramid?

The food pyramid is a graphic representation of different food groups in the form of a pyramid to illustrate how a balanced diet (e.g. for families) should be composed. The food pyramid offers a way of finding out about the recommended amounts and types of food.

Food or nutritional pyramids come in a variety of forms, the first being issued in 1992 in the United States by the United States Department of Agriculture. The basic principle of the various pyramid models always remains the same: they show the relative proportions of different food groups in several stages. The broad basis is made up of foods for which there is a high demand, which continues to decrease towards the top.

• There are drinks at the base of the pyramid. Water, spritzers, herbal and fruit teas should be consumed in large quantities throughout the day. A daily amount of at least 1.5 liters is recommended.
• At the next level of the food pyramid are products that are essential to a healthy diet and can be consumed in large quantities. Five servings of vegetables and fruit should be eaten per day.
• The next, narrower level are high-carbohydrate grain products such as bread or pasta. These serve primarily as a source of energy and should be part of the main meals.
• The level above contains animal products. Meat and fish should be on the menu up to twice a week. Dairy products in the form of milk and cheese, on the other hand, are best consumed in small amounts every day.
• The second to top pyramid level contains fats and oils that should only be consumed in moderation. Vegetable oils are preferable to animal fats.
• At the very top of the food pyramid are sweets and alcohol, which you should only treat yourself to from time to time in a healthy lifestyle.