Basic Tools in Nutrition

Basic Tools in Nutrition

A nutritionally satisfactory diet is based on a wise selection of a variety of foods in recommended amounts

To successfully design such diet, certain tools offer guidance in food selection

These are applicable for healthy individuals, and serve as a basis for diet modification in case of illness.

Food GuideThis is a food group plan that assigns foods to major groups. It suggests the proper combination of foods in a meal and serving sizes.Food Guide PyramidA pictorial form of the daily food guide; it teaches the principle of eating a variety of foods everyday, the need for moderation in some food groups while emphasizing the importance of other food items.* The size of each section (from the broad base, tapering to the apex) represents certain recommended amount.(Fig. 1&2)3Foods are classified into groups on the basis of nutrientcontent:BODY-BUILDING FOODS are rich in proteins and minerals such as milk, fish, poultry, eggs, and dried beansENERGY-GIVING FOODS are high in carbohydrates and fats such as rice and rice products, breads, corn, root crops, sugar and sweets, pasta and noodles, butter, margarine, mayonnaise, cooking oil, coconut cream, etc.BODY-REGULATING FOODS are rich in vitamins and minerals, fiber, and water; like fruits and vegetablesFigure 1: The US Food Guide Pyramid

Figure 2: The Food Guide Pyramid for Filipinos

The broad base at the bottom conveys the message that the food group should form the foundation of a healthy diet and foods that belong in this level must be taken abundantly compared to other food groups.The apex indicates that foods belonging to this group should be eaten sparingly.

The US food guide pyramid in fig. 1 was released by the US Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services.The Food Guide Pyramid for Filipinos in fig.2 was developed by Sonny Rose Orbeta and the Food and Nutrition Research Institute.

Eat a variety of foods everyday

Breast-feed infants exclusively from birth to 6 months, then give appropriate foods while continuing breast-feeding

Maintain childrens normal growth through proper diet and monitor their growth regularly

Consume fish, lean meat, poultry or dried beans

Eat more fruits, vegetables and root crops

Eat foods prepared in edible cooking oil dailyConsume milk, milk products or other calcium-rich foods

Use iodized salt but avoid excessive intake of salty foods

Eat clean and safe foods

Exercise regularly, do not smoke, and avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.Source: Nutritional Guidelines fro Filipinos. Revised Edition 2000. FNRI-DOST.3. The 10 Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos4. RDA or RENI (Recommended Dietary Allowance or Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake)The recommended intake of a nutrient deemed sufficient to meet the requirements of all individuals in the population. (Fig.4)

5. FEL (Food Exchange List)Is a classification or grouping of common food items in terms of carbohydrate, protein, fat and energy values.- Foods within a list contain approximately the same amount of CHO,CHON, fat and energywhen used in the indicated weight or measure.- Foods in a group can be substituted or exchanged with other foods in the same group. (Fig.5)9Figure 4: Recommended Energy and Nutrient Intake