What is the difference between new food guide pyramid and old one in respect to serving size?

The new food guide pyramid, introduced in 2011 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), differs from the old food pyramid in several ways, including serving sizes. Here are the main differences in serving sizes between the old and new food guide pyramids:

Old Food Guide Pyramid (1992):

* Serving Size for Grains: The old food pyramid recommended 6-11 servings of grains per day. A serving of grains was defined as 1 slice of bread, 1/2 cup of cooked rice or pasta, or 1 ounce of dry cereal.

* Serving Size for Vegetables: The old food pyramid recommended 3-5 servings of vegetables per day. A serving of vegetables was defined as 1/2 cup of cooked or raw vegetables or 1 cup of leafy greens.

* Serving Size for Fruits: The old food pyramid recommended 2-4 servings of fruits per day. A serving of fruit was defined as 1 cup of raw fruit, 1/2 cup of cooked fruit, or 3/4 cup of fruit juice.

* Serving Size for Milk: The old food pyramid recommended 2-3 servings of milk and dairy products per day. A serving of milk was defined as 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of yogurt, or 1-1/2 ounces of natural cheese.

* Serving Size for Meat and Protein: The old food pyramid recommended 2-3 servings of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, or nuts per day. A serving of meat or poultry was defined as 2-3 ounces, a serving of fish was defined as 4 ounces, a serving of dry beans was defined as 1/2 cup, a serving of eggs was defined as 1 egg, and a serving of nuts was defined as 1/4 cup.

New Food Guide Pyramid (2011):

* Serving Size for Grains: The new food guide pyramid recommends making half of your plate whole grains. A serving of grains is still defined as 1 slice of bread, 1/2 cup of cooked rice or pasta, or 1 ounce of dry cereal.

* Serving Size for Vegetables: The new food guide pyramid recommends filling a quarter of your plate with vegetables. A serving of vegetables is still defined as 1/2 cup of cooked or raw vegetables or 1 cup of leafy greens.

* Serving Size for Fruits: The new food guide pyramid recommends filling a quarter of your plate with fruits. A serving of fruit is still defined as 1 cup of raw fruit, 1/2 cup of cooked fruit, or 3/4 cup of fruit juice.

* Serving Size for Milk: The new food guide pyramid recommends drinking 3 cups of milk and dairy products per day for adults and 4 cups per day for children and teenagers. A serving of milk is still defined as 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of yogurt, or 1-1/2 ounces of natural cheese.

* Serving Size for Meat and Protein: The new food guide pyramid recommends choosing lean protein sources and varying your protein choices. A serving of meat or poultry is still defined as 2-3 ounces, a serving of fish is still defined as 4 ounces, a serving of dry beans is still defined as 1/2 cup, a serving of eggs is still defined as 1 egg, and a serving of nuts is still defined as 1/4 cup.

In summary, the new food guide pyramid emphasizes the importance of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, while also providing more specific serving size recommendations for milk and dairy products. Overall, the new food guide pyramid offers more detailed and balanced guidance for healthier eating.