Lose Weight Using the Food Pyramid

Feb 24th, 2010 by Jennifer

The USDA Food Pyramid is updated every few years as we learn more about nutrition, the guidelines are refined and improved slightly. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the food pyramid, for most advantageous nutrition. When you are allowing for a weight loss plan, it is best to operate with the pyramid guidelines, however you must reduce servings and therefore reduce your total calorie consumption.

Most adults need a calorie intake ranging from 1800-3200 calories a day depending on their age, level of activity and height. If you want to lose weight you must cut back on the calories you are currently eating.

Sample 1800 calories:

Grains 6oz
Veggies 2.5 cups
Fruits 1.5 cups
Milk/Dairy 3 cups
Meat and beans 5oz
Oils 5 teaspoons

Sample 1400 calories:

Grains 5oz
Veggies 1.5 cups
Fruits 1.5 cups
Milk/Dairy 2 cups
Meat and beans 4oz
Oils 4 teaspoons

The food reduction is moderate, so it shouldn’t be all that difficult. Increasing your level of exercise from 30 minutes a day to 45-60 minutes a day at the same calorie level will also show results.

Some people just need a boost to speed up their weight loss. If you are not a great calorie counter and you don’t care much for exercise try these tips:

· Walk half an hour a day and take any steps you can instead of the elevator or escalator. Just these simple behaviors will increase activity level.

· Every meal take half you plate and fill with non-starchy vegetables. The remainder of you plate should be split with grains and protein.

· Take a metabolism boosting pill daily to accelerate fat burning and support weight loss. Look for a natural supplement like MetaboSpeed.

Share and Enjoy: