Each of these food groups provides some but not all of the nutrients needed to maintain a balanced diet. The Food Guide Pyramid shows that foods from the grain group along with vegetables and fruits are the basis of healthful diets.
Some foods fit into more than one group.
Starchy vegetables such as white potatoes, sweet potatoes and corn, can be counted as servings in the grain products group or in the vegetable group. Dry beans, peas and lentils are in the meat group but they can alternatively be counted as servings of vegetables. These crossover foods can be counted as servings from either one or the other group, but not both. Notice that a range of servings is given for each food group. The lower limit is for people who consume about 1,600 calories a day.