Food Pyramid of the Swiss Society for Nutrition

The Swiss Society for Nutrition issued its Food Pyramid in 2005. It was updated according to the latest scientific evidence and is in principal agreement with food-based guidelines of other countries. It has also been officially endorsed by the Swiss government. The food pyramid stands for a balanced diet that guarantees the body a sufficient supply of energy, essential nutrients and protective substances. Food from the lower levels of the pyramid should be eaten in larger quantities, and those from the higher levels in smaller quantities. The six levels from top down represent the following food groups: sweets, salty snacks and sweetened or alcoholic drinks; oils, fats and nuts; milk, dairy products, meat, fish and eggs; whole grain products and pulses, other cereals and potatoes; fruit and vegetables; beverages. A basic principle to be communicated by the food pyramid is that there are no good or bad foods but that the relative amounts to be consumed play a key role for our health. The key message is to eat a diet that is as varied as possible and which considers foods of each pyramid level in the right amounts. The recommendations do not need to be followed every day, but should be observed on a long-term basis, e.g. a whole week. Liquid intake is an exception; liquids should be consumed on a daily basis. It is also very important to keep a healthy body weight by daily exercise as indicated by the icons on the side of the Swiss Food Pyramid.