In response to rising obesity rates, the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced on April 19, 2005 a revised food guide pyramid�called "MyPyramid." The new guide, which replaces the pyramid introduced in 1992, encourages consumers to choose foods geared to their specific calorie needs�and adds a new category: regular exercise.�The updated symbol includes a picture�of a stick figure walking up a�set of steps to emphasize physical activity. Food�groups are arranged vertically, instead of horizontally like the older model, and are represented by six different�colors: - Orange - grains
- Green - vegetables
- Red - fruits
- Yellow - oils
- Blue -�milk products�
- Purple - meats and beans
Foods from each group should be eaten daily. The wider the�food group band, the more of that product you should eat, although the widths are a general guide to portion size, not an exact recommendation. � Unlike the old pyramid, which presented its recommendations in servings, the new guide uses terms such as cups and ounces. The guidelines suggest that an average person�should eat�three ounces of whole-grain products, two cups of fruit, and two-and-a-half cups of vegetables every day. Oils should be used sparingly. See also Balanced diet. For more information on MyPyramid visit www.mypyramid.gov.
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