How Do You Select a Healthy Diet?

The USDA Food Guide Pyramid was developed by the federal government in 1992 to identify the basic food groups and the amounts that you need for a nutritious and healthy diet. Learn more about a healthy diet by exploring the Interactive Food Guide Pyramid at the USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center. The food goups which are included in the food pyramid and the recommended servings are shown below.

The original food guide pyramid was modified by researchers at the Jean Mayer United States Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. The Modified Food Guide Pyramid for older adults reflects the unique nutritional needs of those age 70 and over. The additions to the pyramid include 8 glasses of water a day and a need for supplemental doses of calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. The pyramid also reflects the lower caloric needs of most healthy older adults (1,600 calories or less a day).