Since the turn of the century, the United States Government and other commercial entities have tried coming up with working models for Americans to follow to ensure that they eat enough of the right type of foods. With all of the popular fad diets at hand, it's hard to determine which is the best approach for eating right. In 1992, the USDFA came up with its version of their Food Pyramid. It's simple to use, is loaded with tips and even provides links to other resources.
Step 1
Click on the link to the USDA Food Pyramid. While you'll find there are dozens of resources available on the link that are useful, one of the most useful is "Inside the Pyramid." It divides all of the food we eat into six major types: grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, meats and beans, and oils. Click on one of the legs such as the orange leg to learn about grains and serving suggestions.
Step 2
Adipex has come up with their own five food groups that closely resemble the USFDA model. They divide all foods into grains or starches, fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy, meat and fish, and fats and sugars. Both resources provide plenty of helpful examples and serving suggestions.
Step 3
Erictherainer.com has taken his own unique approach by dividing all foods into grains and breads, fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy, and meats. It's a basic way to approach eating correctly.
Step 4
Most of the models you'll find replicate the same information and make the same general recommendations: 50 percent of your diet should be carbohydrate, 20 percent or less should be fat (of which less than 7 percent should be saturated fat) and the rest should be proteins. Remember, these are guidelines and should allow you some flexibility. If you have any questions, ask you doctor or registered dietitian about specific concerns you have.
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