USDA’s new food guide pyramid features a couple of changes over the old pyramid, the most important being reflected in the name, as the symbol is now interactive on the Internet.

By visiting www.mypyramid.gov, individuals can key in their age, gender and physical activity level so that

they can get a more personalized recommendation on their daily calorie level based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The new guidelines, and the MyPyramid as it is now called, also include recommendations regarding exercise.

“MyPyramid is about the ability of Americans to personalize their approach when choosing a healthier lifestyle that balances nutrition and exercise," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, when the MyPyramid was released late last month. “Many Americans can dramatically improve their overall health by making modest improvements to their diets and by incorporating regular physical activity into their daily lives.”

It was no surprise to the dairy industry that the recommendations now call for three servings of lowfat or fat-free dairy products a day.