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Search Ask the DietitianFood Guide Pyramid
 Do the serving sizes on packaged food bear any relationship to the serving sizes listed by the USDA on the Food Group Pyramid? For example on a loaf of bread it may list 1 slice as a serving- is this the same as one serving of Grains from the pyramid perspective? If not, how do you go about converting manufacturer servings to food group pyramid servings?
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) prepared the Food Guide Pyramid. One serving of grains is about 1 slice of bread, 1 ounce of ready-to-eat cereal, 1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta, 1/2 cup of vegetable, 1 medium piece of fruit or 3/4 cup of juice, 1 cup of milk, 1 1/2 ounce natural cheese, or 2 - 3 ounces of cooked lean meat, poultry or fish and 1 1/2 cup cooked dry beans . Many of the serving sizes on labels are the same recommended serving by the Food Guide Pyramid, but don't assume so. I would suggest you get a copy of the USDA Home and Garden Bulletin Number 252 which explains the Food Guide Pyramid. This booklet explains serving number and sizes and what foods are in each pyramid group. I have been searching the net for an explanation of the new Food Pyramid, but cannot find a thing about it. I was familiar with the 4 basic food groups and want to understand this NEW way of looking at nutrition. Can you help out?
The Food Guide Pyramid is a tool used to teach people to eat a balanced diet from a variety of food portions without counting calories or any other nutrient. The USDA expanded the four food groups to six and expanded the number of servings to meet the calorie needs of most persons.
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