What Do You Know About the Personalized Food Pyramid?

In 2005, the U.S. government replaced the Food Guide Pyramid, which had been used for more than a decade. The food pyramid, in turn, had replaced the Four Food Groups. Find out how much you know about the new dietary guidelines and how they differ from the old food pyramid.

1. The Dietary Guidelines were developed to educate the American public about the food groups in a healthful diet. Which of these organizations developed the guidelines?

A. Consumers Union

B. American Medical Association

C. U.S. Department of Agriculture

D. American Association of Registered Dietitians

Answer: C, U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA had also developed the food pyramid and the Four Food Groups. The 2005 guidelines are more specific than either of these earlier concepts and can be found at My Pyramid, a Web site maintained by the USDA.

2. The Dietary Guidelines were designed to focus attention on which of these?

A. Caloric restriction

B. Disease prevention

C. Variety in diet

D. Identification of food groups

Answer: B, disease prevention. Research has shown that eating a variety of healthy foods may help protect against heart disease and some cancers. Healthy eating also means including a variety of foods in your diet and watching portion sizes.

3. Most of your daily food calories should come from which one of these groups?

A. Meat and meat alternatives

B. Vegetables

C. Fruits

D. Grains

Answer: D, grains. At least half of your grains (cereal, bread, rice and pasta) should be whole grains. The amount of grains you should have each day depends on your age, gender and how active you are. A 30-year-old woman who gets 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day should consume 6 ounces of grains daily. A man of the same age and activity level should consume 9 ounces of grains daily.

4. The amount of milk and other dairy products recommended is listed in cups in the Dietary Guidelines. Which of these equals one cup in the milk group?

A. 8 ounces of yogurt

B. 8 ounces of milk

C. 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese

D. All of the above

Answer: D, all of the above. It's important to know what constitutes a cup (or an ounce for grains and meats) to ensure that you get the recommended amount of each food group. Fruits and vegetable amounts are also given as cups in the guidelines.

5. How many cups of vegetables do the guidelines suggest per day?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 2 to 3

D. 4 or more

Answer: C, 2 to 3. The Dietary Guidelines say that a 2,000-calorie diet should include 2-1/2 cups of vegetables. A person who should consume more calories or fewer calories would need a different amount. Your diet should include dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, dry peas and beans, starchy vegetables and "other" vegetables (such as asparagus, cabbage, mushrooms and zucchini).

6. Which of these represents one cup from the vegetable group?

A. 1 cup of raw vegetables

B. 1 cup cooked vegetables

C. 2 cups raw leafy greens

D. Any of the above

Answer: D, all of the above. You can buy vegetables raw, canned or frozen -- all have the same nutrients. When cooking vegetables, be sure to steam or microwave them. Overcooking vegetables can decrease their nutritive value. Also, wash canned vegetables to decrease the sodium content.

7. Dry beans, eggs and nuts are in which food group?

A. Meat and meat alternatives

B. Milk and milk products

C. Bread and cereal

D. None of the above

Answer: A, meat and meat alternatives. Beans, eggs and nuts are interchangeable with meat, fish and poultry.

8. The amount of oil you are allowed each day depends on your age, gender and amount of physical activity you get. Which of these foods is naturally high in oil?

A. Walnuts

B. Olives

C. Avocados

D. All of the above

Answer: D, all of the above. Other foods that are mostly oil include mayonnaise and salad dressings.