The new "Pyramid" nutritional value incorrect?

menjivas

I am training, finally, for my first half marathon and I've been doing great with keeping with the work out schedule, but after having a discussion with my training partner, I feel like I may not be getting the right nutrition. I went to the USDA site to see what they recommend. First of all, they said I should eat 2200 calories (which is way too much for my body). I went and looked at other meal plans and picked the 1600 calorie one (since it's closer to my calorie intake). In that plan, it said I should eat the following:

1. five ounces of grain
2. 2 cups of veggies
3. 1.5 cups of fruit
4. 3 cups of milk
5. 5 ounces of meat and beans.

I feel that is a bit too much grain and way too little meat for someone with a large frame that weight 142 and it 5 feet, 6 inches tall. What do you guys think?

xarrium

If you're training for a half-marathon I don't think it's unreasonable to be eating a lot of carbs... carbs are the best source of energy for physical activity because the body can use them right away (fat needs to be processed before it can be used, and protein isn't commonly used for fueling the body). Obviously, you don't want to be overdoing it at the risk of not eating your other food groups, but don't be afraid of carbs if you're doing a lot of exercise. You might also try "shopping around" and looking at other food guides. I really like the Mediterranean diet pyramid, I find it makes me feel better than Canada's food guide.

rose1617

I would broaden the thought bubble a bit. I thought the same thing you did when I first read it, but then I thought wait a second, I had probably a cup of grain in my salad for lunch plus the two that I had for breakfast so if I have really anything for dinner I'll be close if not right on for that goal.
Also I'm at a cup of veggies and two cups of fruit as it is.
I'm over my milk allotment for the day from certain things and although I don't know exactly what 5 oz. of meat and beans is, I'd venture to say I'm close to at least 4 oz.

Think of everything that's in everything you've eaten today (can't see your food diary, but mine's not public either ) and I bet you're at least close to that.