Night Elf Posted November 3, 2011 Share Posted November 3, 2011 I've heard that it isn't accurate. How do I figure out how to balance the different types of foods? I'm eating healthier now that I'm in the full swing of Weight Watchers but I still have many changes I need to make. According to MyPyramid.com, if I follow a 1200 calorie diet, I should be aiming for: 4 oz. grains (at least half should be whole grains) 1.5 cups of vegetables 1 cup fruit 2 cups dairy 3 oz. meat & beans Extras shouldn't be more than 170 calories a day. :001_huh: Eeek! These catagories increase a bit as daily calorie goals increase, but I think this is fairly close to what WW is trying to do. This will be a huge change for my current diet of processed foods. My idea of veggies is what is in fried rice. :lol: Just kidding, really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted November 3, 2011 Share Posted November 3, 2011 As the food pyramid was thought up by our government (who continues to prove their lack of knowledge in anything but defense, and questionably there), I don't put any stock in it. Many people have a dairy sensitivity and while calcium is necessary, dairy is not. Simply eat whole foods (comes from plants) and the occasional animal protein (unless your vegetarian/vegan, obviously) and stay away from the processed food. Now, granted, I find it next to impossible to never eat processed foods so scale it WAY back. Make sure your vegetables and non-animal protein make up the bulk of what you eat, followed by fruit, grains, and other protein. HTH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted November 3, 2011 Author Share Posted November 3, 2011 Make sure your vegetables and non-animal protein make up the bulk of what you eat, followed by fruit, grains, and other protein. HTH! This shows just how little I know, but when I think of protein, I think of meat. We are the family that has meat at nearly all meals. Not that I eat a lot of it. I usually have 2 oz. at dinner and just don't feel like eating more than that. I've been stuck in a rut with veggies so I went shopping today and got more variety. Our meals are BORING. We have chicken, potatoes and peas one night. Spaghetti another night. Pork, rice and green beans another night. Not much variety at all. I'm not sure I get protein except from lean meats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted November 3, 2011 Share Posted November 3, 2011 Go to savingdinnerDOTcom She has some wonderful ideas and recipes! Just an FYI, though, I find she tends to be light on the seasonings so I tend to double what she recommends. I'm talking garlic, paprika, cumin, etc, not salt. You dont' need a lot, if any, salt to make something taste good! HTH! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elinor Everywhere Posted November 3, 2011 Share Posted November 3, 2011 To the OP, you will get a dizzying array of responses. This is what I'm thinking, too. Personally, I do not subscribe AT ALL to the food pyramid, and I believe grains (particularly wheat) & sugar are a cause of a lot of illness. We eat lots of veggies, a wide variety of meats (not just chicken and fish), some fruit, some nuts/seeds, some dairy (raw, mostly), and my indulgences, which are wine & chocolate. You'll get a lot of advice, and some of it will be contradictory. Best of luck sorting it all out. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted November 4, 2011 Author Share Posted November 4, 2011 Oh, I'm not concerned about varied responses, even those that contradict one another. I've been a member of this community since 2002 so I've gotten used to it. :tongue_smilie: I am a firm believer in take what you need and discard the rest. I prefer opinions here because if I need something clarified further, I can ask more questions. Reading articles online makes my head spin, especially when they use technical jargon. I come away with more questions than answers. It's a lesson in futility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 This is what I'm thinking, too. Personally, I do not subscribe AT ALL to the food pyramid, and I believe grains (particularly wheat) & sugar are a cause of a lot of illness. We eat lots of veggies, a wide variety of meats (not just chicken and fish), some fruit, some nuts/seeds, some dairy (raw, mostly), and my indulgences, which are wine & chocolate. You'll get a lot of advice, and some of it will be contradictory. Best of luck sorting it all out. :tongue_smilie: :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamela H in Texas Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 You've probably seen this, but this is the food pyramid I like. What I like is that it is nutrient dense yet doesn't take any food group out completely (unless you want to). http://www.drfuhrman.com/library/foodpyramid.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moki4 Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Look up food plate by us gov. It's dumbed-down information. Dd and I looked at it today and just laughed. Just remember this: Lots of veggies/fruit/whole grains/ some dairy and monounsaturated fats. Small amount of protein, and very little sweets. Stay away from processed foods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandragood1 Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 I say eat lots of veggies, animal protein, and include fats to the point that you aren't starving by next meal time. Keep grains and simple starches low - even whole grains (1 or 2 servings a day). Limit fruit to 1 or 2 a day. Beans count as proteins, but contain lots of starches so use them, but if you aren't seeing results, use them less often. When I did WW a decade ago, it was mentioned that many folks who plateau are just eating too much fruit. Fruit has terrific nutritional content, but fruits also have lots of sugar. One way that DS and I get veggies into breakfast is to make a HUGE batch of ratatouille. Then we make an omelette with the ratatouille inside. YUM. Spinach and mushrooms, also yummy with eggs.... or just eat the ratatouille with feta on top. Ok, I'm drooling, now. Tomorrow is now ratatouille-making day. Sandra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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