Officially known as MyPyramid, USDA utilizes the pyramid to offer Americans personalized eating plans. The pyramid helps detail the importance of choosing nutrient-rich foods and encourages each of us to strive for more exercise.:

For most Americans, the recommendations are simple to size up:

• 3 servings of milk, cheese or yogurt
• 3 servings of whole grains
• 4 1/2 cups of fruits and vegetables
• 5 1/2 ounces of lean meat or beans

Unlike previous pyramids, this system also includes an interactive online tool, www.mypyramid.gov, which allows consumers to personalize the Dietary Guidelines to their individual taste and nutrition goals.

What the Experts are Saying

Health professionals agree that three servings of dairy foods per day can play a significant part in building stronger bones and reversing the current trend of poor calcium consumption.

Three servings of dairy a day are recommended by many health experts:

• U.S. Surgeon General
• 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Academy of Family Physicians
• National Medical Association
• American Dietetic Association
• School Nutrition Association
• National Hispanic Medical Association