BOX 1
CHOOSE FOODS FROM EACH OF FIVE FOOD GROUPS
The Food Guide Pyramid illustrates the importance of balance among food groups in a daily eating pattern. Most of the daily servings of food should be selected from the food groups that are the largest in the picture and closest to the base of the Pyramid.
- Choose most of your foods from the grain products group (6-11 servings), the vegetable group (3-5 servings), and the fruit group (2-4 servings).
- Eat moderate amounts of foods from the milk group (2-3 servings) and the meat and beans group (2-3 servings).
- Choose sparingly foods that provide few nutrients and are high in fat and sugars.
Note: A range of servings is given for each food group. The smaller number is for people who consume about 1,600 calories a day, such as many sedentary women. The larger number is for those who consume about 2,800 calories a day, such as active men.
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