|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
The Food Pyramid
The
USDA Food Guide Pyramid was developed to translate
nutrition recommendations into a simple food selection
guide.The design of the Pyramid was selected to
symbolize the importance of a base, the largest
part of the diet, and decreasing amount of food
groups needed as one moves from bottom to top.Its
message is relevant and it is a valuable tool for
healthy menu planning. While not designed to be
a calorie specific food management tool, when the
food items from each group are low fat and the number
of servings are kept to the minimum, Pyramid menus
can provide as few as 1200-1400 calories.
What
Counts as a Serving?
Fats
Group
Use fats and sweets sparingly. If you drink alcoholic
beverages, do so in moderation.Milk Group
• 1 cup milk
• 8 ounces yogurt
• 1-1/2 ounces natural cheese
• 2 ounces process cheese
Meat
Group
Amounts should total 5 to 7 ounces of cooked lean
meat, poultry without skin, or fish a day. A serving
would be no more than 3 ounces.
Count 1 egg, 1/2 cup cooked beans, or 2 tablespoons
peanut butter as 1 ounce of meat.
Vegetable Group
• 1/2 cup cooked vegetables
• 1/2 cup chopped raw vegetables
• 1 cup leafy raw vegetables, such as lettuce
or spinach
• 3/4 cup vegetable juice
Fruit
Group
• a whole fruit such as a medium apple, banana,
or orange
• a grapefruit half
• a melon wedge
• 3/4 cup juice
• 1/2 cup berries
• 1/2 cup chopped, cooked, or canned fruit
• 1/4 cup dried fruit
Bread Group
• 1 slice of bread
• 1/2 hamburger bun or english muffin
• a small roll, biscuit, or muffin
• 5 to 6 small or 3 to 4 large crackers
• 1/2 cup cooked cereal, rice, or pasta
• 1 ounce ready-to-eat cereal
|
|
Before
you begin any exercise or diet program, you should have permission
from your doctor.
Contents in this web site are in no way intended as a substitute
for medical counsel .
|
