Even the government recognizes the individuality of nutritional needs. They changed the structured food pyramid to one that is now called MyPyramid. MyPyramid.gov is the website that contains nutritional resources for each of us to build our own personalized food pyramid. The site allows you to design your own plan using Steps to a Healthier You criteria and guidance. Just like with any resource, you need to analyze the credibility and appropriateness of the information for you. One thing you need to be aware of is the influence behind this site. The website contains valuable information and useful tools. However, don’t take everything on face value. The government, by necessity, is influenced by every industry that affects the food market. Use the information on the MyPyramid.gov site as general guidance. Your primary criteria should be what is nutritious and what works best for you.

Let’s talk about what the MyPyramid can do for you. First, it provides a basic structure that illustrates the importance of some degree of variety in your diet. While it makes suggestions about proportions of types of foods (based on the size of the color in the triangle) it does not give absolute percentages. You need to determine this for yourself. Second, it stresses the importance of certain foods. In particular, leafy greens, orange colored vegetables, and whole grains are specifically suggested in the key. Third, the pyramid gives us a "vegetarian" option by changing the category that was previously dedicated to meat and poultry to a new designation, “Meat & Beans.” Fourth, the pyramid gives us a dairy-free option. If we cannot tolerate dairy products, we are encouraged to use lactose-free products instead. And, fifth, healthy cooking options are stressed. These include the suggestion to bake, broil, or grill our meats.