New Food Guide Pyramid

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By admin | January 15, 2008

Americans are getting fatter and fatter in fact more than two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designed a new food pyramid to keep us on track. One of the biggest noticeable changes is the incorporation of physical activity, it is an important component that must be practice daily. You will notice that the new food pyramid guide excludes serving size, this was done intentionally because no two people are a like and there is “no one size fits all” when it come to diet and nutrition.

On the new food guide pyramid each food group is represented by a specific color.

Orange: Grains
Green: vegetables
Red: fruits
Blue: dairy and calcium-rich foods
Purple: proteins (meats, beans, and fish)
Yellow: fats and oils

Grains

Half of the grains you eat should be whole. Whole grain cereals, brown rice, whole wheat pasta and crackers are highly recommended.

Vegetables

Eat more dark green and leafy vegetables. Broccoli, spinach, kale are good examples of these. These vegetables are low in sodium and sugar and are a great source of nutrients and vitamins.

Fruits

Fruits are highly recommended rather than fruit juice, because of it’s high sugar content. Fruit should be eaten fresh, frozen, canned and dried.

Milk and Diary

Having 3 servings a day of low-fat dairy as part of a reduced calorie diet is highly recommended

Meat and Beans

When it comes to meats you should always go lean. Meats should be prepared baked, broiled or grilled instead of fried. Meats are a great source of protein. Fish, peas, nuts, seeds and beans are also great source of protein.

Fats, Oils and Sweets

Fats and Oils should be eaten in small amounts

Please keep in mind that the new food guide pyramid is based on you specific calorie requirements. This is a good guide follow if you are on Weight Watchers or if you are on a weight loss diet plan For more information, visit www.mypyramid.gov.