New USDA Pyramid Emphasis on Whole Grains

Since obesity has become such a prevalent problem, the USDA has revamped its Food Requirements Pyramid.

The orange section is the Grain Group. It suggests that you eat at least 3 ounces of this group daily, with fifty percent of that being whole grains.

The green section is the Vegetable Group. It suggests eating more dark green and orange vegetables, as well as more dry beans and peas.

The red section is the Fruit Group. It suggests eating a wide variety of fruits (fresh, dried, frozen or canned) and take it easy on the fruit juices.

The yellow section is the Oil Group. It suggests getting your fat content from fish, nuts and vegetable oils. Take it easy on butter, stick margarine, shortening and lard.

The blue section is the Dairy Group. Try to choose low-fat or fat-free, and if you can’t consume dairy, use lactose-free products or other calcium rich foods.

The purple section is the Meats & Beans Group. It suggests using lean meats and poultry and to either bake, broil or grill the meat. Also try to supplementing other lean protein sources such as fish, beans, nuts and seeds.

If you would like more information on how this pyramid can work for you, go to MyPyramidPlan and you can customize the pyramid just for you.