How Does USDA Food Guide Pyramid Help You To Plan Healthy Meal Plans?
First, we look at the Food Guide Pyramid (thereafter shortened to Pyramid). The Pyramid structures food into 5 groups together with the number of servings for each one of them, as follows: • Milk, yogurt and cheese – 2 servings • Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs and nuts – 2 servings • Vegetables – 3 servings • Fruits – 2 servings • Bread, cereal, rice and pasta – 6 servings The Pyramid also recommends these dietary guidelines: • Eat a variety of food • Balance your food intake with physical activity (e.g. exercise) • Eat lots of grain products, fruits and vegetables • Eat food low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol • Eat less sugar, especially refined sugars • Eat less salt and sodium • If you must drink alcoholic drinks, do in moderation The Pyramid serves as a base guideline when I prepare my meal plan. Its emphasis on variety and number of servings help me to plan a balanced healthy meal plan that’s high in fiber and low in fat. Using the Pyramid, I can concoct meal plans th
