Information about the new 2005 Food Guide Pyramid and other pyramids that include serving size estimates can be found at www.mypyramid.gov. Other food pyramids are available at www.oldwayspt.org . While none of these pyramids exactly reflects the proportion of whole natural foods our body needs to function properly, the recommendations can all be used to help point us toward healthier eating.
Colorful plates
When our plate mirrors the recommendations from most of these pyramids and the proportions of whole natural foods our body needs, three-fourths of it will be filled with colorful high-fiber grains, fruits, and vegetables. Animal sources like lean meat, fish, poultry or dairy should cover one-third or less. In other words, Americans need to think of animal products as a side dish or condiment, not the focus of the meal.
In restaurants, because of the large portions, it’s a good idea to share an entrée or ask for half of the entrée to be put in a take-out box before it is served. Ask for lunch-sized portions of entrees when possible. Order an appetizer as an entrée. At home, use smaller plates, bowls and glasses. Commit serving sizes to memory and eat accordingly.
Eating wisely
Moderation is the key, with nutritional value and taste as motivation and inspiration.
Enjoying the abundance of God’s gracious bounty to us should be a given, but we have the responsibility of choosing and eating our foods wisely. We should be able to “put on the whole armor of God” over a healthy body – the earthly “temple of the living God”! (See Ephesians 6:11 and 2 Corinthians 6:16.)
As a helpful resource, I have lots of articles on healthy ingredients and recipes that you can implement into your daily life.
If you’d like to dig deeper into my journey of discovering God’s plan for health and wellness, check out my book, Made For Paradise: God’s Original Plan for Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, and Rest.
