The Food Guide Pyramid suggests six to 11 servings daily from this food group. Select whole grain breads and cereals for added nutrients and fiber. The second level of the Food Guide Pyramid includes the vegetable group and the fruit group. Vegetables provide carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins such as A, C and folate, and minerals such as iron and magnesium. The pyramid suggests three to five servings daily from this food group.
Fruits provide many nutrients including carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C and potassium.
The pyramid suggests two to four servings daily from this group. Include one food serving high in vitamin C and one food serving high in vitamin A from either the vegetable or fruit groups daily. The third level of the Food Guide Pyramid includes two food groups that come mostly from animals. The milk, yogurt and cheese group is the best source of calcium. The meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs and nut group provides protein, B-vitamins, iron, zinc and other minerals.