The Food Guide Pyramid was introduced by the USDA in 1992 as a visual representation of the recommended dietary guidelines.
It was designed to help people understand how to eat a balanced diet by illustrating the types and proportions of foods they should eat from different food groups each day.
The pyramid was structured into several levels, each representing a food group.
Base Level (Breads, Cereals, Rice, and Pasta Group): This largest portion suggested that the bulk of the diet should come from these carbohydrate-rich foods.
Second Level (Vegetables and Fruits): These were recommended for vitamins, minerals, and fibers.
Third Level (Proteins - Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs, and Nuts Group; Dairy - Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese Group): This level emphasized the importance of protein and dairy products for their protein, calcium, and other nutrients.
Top Level (Fats, Oils, and Sweets): This smallest portion suggested that these items be used sparingly.
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)
The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) are guidelines for daily nutrient intake levels sufficient for the majority of healthy individuals, based on life stage and gender.
Developed by the National Academy of Sciences, they're part of the dietary reference intakes (DRIs), aimed at maintaining health and preventing diseases.
RDAs are periodically updated with new research and are used for diet planning, nutritional education, and developing food policies and products.