Size Does Matter

As we currently live in the time of counting calories and inspecting food labels, one may propose the question “What is a serving?” We always hear that we need so many servings of fruit each day, and a number of veggie servings…but do we really know how to measure them?

Now you can get a better idea of how many servings you are consuming with this detailed list from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Ø Bread: one slice of bread, one small muffin, or dinner roll

Ø Cereal: 1 ounce (28 grams) ready-to-eat cereal or ½ cup cooked cereal

Ø Pasta and Rice: ½ cup cooked

Ø Raw leafy vegetables (lettuce): 1 cup

Ø Other vegetables: ½ cup

Ø Fruit: one medium apple, orange, or banana, or ½ cup canned fruit

Ø Juices: ¾ cup

Ø Milk: 1 cup

Ø Yogurt: 1 cup

Ø Cheese: 1 ½ to 2 ounces (42-56 grams)

Ø Meat: 2 to 3 ounces cooked (56-85 grams)

Ø Equivalent to 1 ounce of meat: one egg; ½ cup dried beans, cooked; 2 tablespoons peanut butter

Now the question arises, “how much of each food group do I need each day?” Feel free to head over to MyPyramid.gov for a cool interactive food pyramid that provides recommendations for a balanced diet.

-Andrew Reddish