Are some foods better choices for some people than others?

 Breast milk is the best "first food" for every infant. The first solid foods are usually chosen by each culture as foods that are easy to chew and a good source of nutrients. As more foods are introduced, the pyramid food serving recommendations become the best way of eating for toddlers, children and adolescents.

Through the growing years, the difference is more in portion sizes and number of portions than what foods are chosen. Adolescent boys will need the largest amounts of food, usually measured by the energy the foods provide, or calories, especially during their periods of peak growth. Children who have a high level of physical activity also require more calories.

Empty calories provided by sugars or fats may fit into food choices during these years better than at any other times in life. But eating these foods often becomes a habit past the years of high activity and rapid growth, and can lead to overweight and obesity. Drinks are an easy source of calories but often provide no other nutritional contributions.

Once individuals reach adulthood, the pyramid still forms the basis of good choices through the senior years. However, there may be better choices within each food group to help individuals meet the nutritional needs of their body and lifestyle, while reducing the risks of chronic disease associated with their genetic predisposition.