The Twelve Pyramids is a set of 12 health and nutrition plans, found in the MyPyramid

MyPyramid

MyPyramid, released by the United States Department of Agriculture on April 19, 2005, is an update on the American food guide pyramid that was used until June 2, 2011, when the USDA's MyPlate replaced it. The icon stresses activity and moderation along with a proper mix of food groups in one's diet...

 Food Guidance System, are based on age and gender and activity level. MyPyramid was created by the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture

United States Department of Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture is the United States federal executive department responsible for developing and executing U.S. federal government policy on farming, agriculture, and food...

 (USDA), and was released in 2005.

The food plans guide individuals to balance caloric intake with energy expenditure, increase intake of vitamins and other essential nutrients, and decrease intake of excess fats and sugars. In all areas, moderation is emphasized. The plans recommend increasing intake of some foods that are high in certain nutrients; therefore, it is possible that a person following the plan might consume less food energy

Food energy

Food energy is the amount of energy obtained from food that is available through cellular respiration.Food energy is expressed in food calories or kilojoules...

 and a more balanced diet while actually eating more food than before beginning the plan.

The plans were developed based on averages for males and females at various ages, so people with either a significantly higher or lower Body Mass Index

Body mass index

The body mass index , or Quetelet index, is a heuristic proxy for human body fat based on an individual's weight and height. BMI does not actually measure the percentage of body fat. It was invented between 1830 and 1850 by the Belgian polymath Adolphe Quetelet during the course of developing...

 (BMI) or a significantly larger or smaller skeletal frame may need to adjust their plans accordingly. Also, the intake levels are calculated based on a sedentary lifestyle, so adjustments must be made for people who are more active.

The food plans

The food plans under the Twelve Pyramids include a limited allowance for sweets, alcohol, or foods with very high fat content. These items are considered "discretionary intake" and are generally limited to approximately 10% of the allowed food energy per day within the limits of the appropriate plan for a person's caloric needs. The specific plans are available at the links below.

• 1000 Cal adult under 18

• 1200 Cal adult under 18

• 1400 Cal adult under 18

• 1600 Cal adult under 18

• 1800 Cal adult under 18

• 2000 Cal adult under 18

• 2200 Cal adult under 18

• 2400 Cal adult under 18

• 2600 Cal adult under 18

• 3000 Cal adult under 18

• 3200 Cal adult under 18

Food labeling reference table

This example of recommended amounts of various nutrients is based on a 2000 calorie (8,400 kJ) intake, for adults and children 4 or more years of age. It will be different for other plans. The calculated values for each plan should be used in parallel with the recommendations of the corresponding food pyramid.

Nutrient	Recommended Daily Amount
Total Fat	65 grams
Saturated Fatty Acids	20 grams
Cholesterol	300 milligrams
Sodium	2400 milligrams
Potassium	3500 milligrams
Total Carbohydrate	300 grams
Fiber	25 grams
Protein	50 grams

Physical activity to expend food energy

Under the Twelve Pyramid food plans, it is strongly recommended that an individual's daily physical activity be sufficient to balance his or her caloric intake of food. The CNPP provides suggestions for incorporating physical activity, and guidelines for determining the appropriate amount of activity, in Chapter 10 of their A Healthier You publication. The activity can then be tracked at the My Pyramid Tracker website.