Before you eat, think about what goes on your plate or in your cup or bowl. Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein foods contain the nutrients you need without too many calories. Try some of these options. |
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● Eat red, orange, and dark-green vegetables, such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and broccoli, in main and side dishes.
● Eat fruit, vegetables, or unsalted nuts as snacks—they are nature's original fast foods. |
● They have the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but less fat and calories.
● Try calcium-fortified soy products as an alternative to dairy foods. |
● Choose 100% whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, and pasta.
● Check the ingredients list on food packages to find whole-grain foods. |
● Twice a week, make seafood the protein on your plate.
● Eat beans, which are a natural source of fiber and protein.
● Keep meat and poultry portions small and lean. |
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Source: United States Department of Agriculture - www.choosemyplate.gov
Dietary Guidelines Consumer Brochure
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Grains - Vegetables - Fruits - Milk
Meat & Beans - and Oils & Fats
What we need to remember when using this program is that these different food groups provide us with some of the nutrients but not all of them. Food from one group can never replace those from others as they are all equally as important. So in order to maintain a healthy life and diet you need to include them all.
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