Returning to the Food Pyramid

A couple of weeks ago I decided to take a close look at the FOOD PYRAMID and compare it to the way I've been eating for the last couple of years. Like millions of other people, I adopted a hybrid of the Atkins's Diet and decreased my consumption of carbohydrates drastically, limiting myself to vegetables, fruits and an occasional serving of grains. For the last 10 years or so, my meals have consisted of a large serving of protein accompanied by small servings of one or more aforementioned carbs. Looking at the FOOD PYRAMID made me rethink my eating habits, my primary concern being that I was not getting the nutrients (vitamins and minerals) my body needs to stay healthy now and into the future.

According to the FOOD PYRAMID, a person should have:
6-11 servings of grains (bread, cereal, rice, pasta, etc.)
3-5 serving of vegetables
2-4 serving of fruits
2-3 servings of protein (meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, nuts, etc.)
2-3 servings of dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.)
Use fats, oils and sweets sparingly.

Because women consume less calories than men, I used the minimum servings as my guideline. I also use the size of my palm as a approximate guideline measure for a single serving.

After only the first week I lost an easy pound, felt an increase in my energy level, went more frequently to the bathroom and felt less bloated. I also enjoyed having many more healthy choices in restaurants. Now, instead of avoiding the pastas and rice dishes, I just keep away from the dishes that have fat and cream.