A Visual Guide To Healthy Eating Use the Food Guide Pyramid to meet the USDA's Dietary Guidelines and Recommended Dietary Allowances. The Food Guide Pyramid, which replaced the 4 basic food groups, is a visual guide for planning a healthy diet. If you eat the recommended servings of each food group everyday you will get the nutrients you need. Young athletes should eat at least the number of servings of each food group listed below: If you plan your meals according to the food guide pyramid you will have enough calories to keep you healthy. The Food Guide Pyramid is an outline of what to eat each day based on the Dietary Guidelines. It's not a rigid prescription but a general guide that lets you choose a healthful diet that's right for you. The Pyramid calls for eating a variety of foods to get the nutrients you need and at the same time the right amount of calories to maintain healthy weight. Use the Pyramid to help you eat better every day...the Dietary Guidelines way. Start with plenty of breads, cereals, rice, pasta, vegetables, and fruits. Add 2-3 servings from the milk group and 2-3 servings from the meat group. Remember to go easy on fats, oils, and sweets, the foods in the small tip of the Pyramid.