Answer: The food pyramid has been a constant guide for adults looking to eat a healthy, balanced diet. One of the most recent additions of the food pyramid can be found at www.MyPyramid.gov  This is a Web site maintained by the Food and Drug Administration that can help you find the right balance of fruits, vegetables, oils, meat and beans, dairy, and grains.

The site provides adults with tips to make easy, smart food decisions. First off, half your grains throughout the day should be whole grain. Proteins should be lean and varied. Fruits are an important part of anyone’s diet but fruit juices should be avoided. People need to be taking in plenty of vegetables that vary in color—different colors mean different vitamins. Finally, skim and low-fat dairy products are not just for children. They are essential in the diets of adults.

If you are embarking on a new, healthy diet, you can begin by taking the foods you prepare now and tweaking them with some of the tips from above. A good rule of thumb though is a balanced diet means everything in moderation.