Before the 1974 Food Pyramid, the U.S. had 

several dietary guidelines, most recently the Basic Four food guide, which was introduced in 1955. The Basic Four simplified the earlier Basic Seven guide and recommended daily servings from four food groups: milk, meat, fruits and vegetables, and breads and cereals. 

The Basic Four food guide

• Milk: This group included milk and milk products.
Meat: This group included meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.Fruits and Vegetables: This group combined all fruits and vegetables.Breads and Cereals: This group included breads, cereals, and other grains. 

Earlier guidance

• The Basic Seven: The Basic Four guide was a simplification of the Basic Seven, which was created in 1943 during WWII. The Basic Seven guide divided food into seven groups: green and yellow vegetables, oranges/tomatoes/grapefruit, potatoes and other vegetables/fruits, milk and milk products, meat/poultry/fish/eggs, bread/flour/cereals, and butter/fortified margarine.
• Early guidance: Before the Basic Seven, guidance was based on earlier scientific understanding and was published in bulletins starting in the late 1800s, focusing on basic food components and food safety.