Food Guide Pyramid for Older Adults
Read More about the Pyramid
Look at the bottom of the pyramid to find the important basis of our diet: 8 glasses of water or other liquids. Our bodies need at least that much every day.Next up is the bread, fortified cereal, rice, and pasta group. We need 6 or more servings of these foods each day. This doesn’t mean that you should eat 6 plates of spaghetti, though! A serving is pretty small—about ½ cup of cooked spaghetti.The next level includes the vegetable and fruit groups. We should have 2 to 3 servings of vegetables and 2 or more fruits every day. These important foods are filling and they help to keep our diets low in fat. Aim for 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.Just above fruits and vegetables is the protein level—3 servings of dairy foods and 2 or more servings of meat, fish, beans, eggs, or nuts.The top of the pyramid is flagged with a note of caution: go easy on the tasty stuff! Limit the fats, oils, and sweets that you eat. Also, ask your doctor if you should take calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin B-12 supplements.Quick Tip: Eat a variety of foods. When you open your refrigerator, remember that your body needs more grains than sweets and fats.
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