Build Your Own Food Pyramid

In the Food Guide Pyramid, a healthy diet rests on a broad base of complex carbohydrates, such as bread, cereal, rice and pasta. The next slightly smaller level of the pyramid contains fruits and vegetables. Still smaller are the protein groups that include meats, eggs, nuts and dairy products. The tiny tip of the pyramid is where you'll find fats and sweets.

Preferred Care wants to help you make healthy food choices. Using the food pyramid is an easy way to see what you may be eating too much of, and what foods you'll want to consider adding to your daily diet. First, click on the image below and print out the Food Pyramid. Fill in your favorite foods under each category to get an idea of where you are now.

The next step is to use the food pyramid to plan daily menus. Examples of foods and amounts are shown at the side. Give yourself extra credit for adding something new to your list. Remember that meats, eggs and dairy products (except low-fat or nonfat) are high in fat and should be used only occasionally. Your pyramid should be completely filled in at the end of each day.

(Click image to view and print full page)

Informational Source: Parlay International

For more information:

• Visit www.eatright.org, the American Dietetic Association web site, for nutrition tips and information
• Learn more about Healthy Eating in our Health Encyclopedia

Last updated: October 24, 2005