The pyramid is an outline of what to eat each day. It is not a rigid prescription, but a general guide that lets you choose a healthy diet. The pyramid calls for eating a variety of foods to get the nutrients you need. The pyramid also focuses on lowering fat because most American diets are too high in fat. Breads, Cereals, Rice, and Pasta Breads, Cereals, Rice and Pasta are important because they provide complex carbohydrates.
Complex carbohydrates are an important source of energy, especially in lowfat diets.
They also provide B vitamins, iron, fiber and other minerals. The Food Guide Pyramid suggests 6 to 11 servings each day. Choose those without added fat or sugar. Go easy on fat and sugar spreads. Vegetables Vegetables are important because they provide vitamins such as A, C and folate.