The USDA
Food Patterns were
developed to help
individuals carry out
Dietary Guidelines
recommendations. They
identify daily amounts
of foods, in
nutrient-dense forms, to
eat from five major food
groups and their
subgroups. The patterns
also include an
allowance for oils and
limits on the maximum
number of calories that
should be consumed from
solid fats and added
sugars (empty calories).
Recommended amounts and
limits in the USDA Food
Patterns at 12 calorie
levels, ranging from
1,000 calories to 3,200
calories, are shown in
the "USDA Food Patterns"
document, below.
Patterns at 1,000,
1,200, and 1,400 calorie
levels meet the
nutritional needs of
children ages 2 to 8
years. Patterns at 1,600
calories and above meet
needs for adults and
children ages 9 years
and older. Individuals
should follow a pattern
that meets their
estimated calorie needs
— shown in the
"Estimated Calorie Needs
per Day" table, below.
Available Resources:
To download a free copy of Adobe Reader to view PDF files, click here.
Last
Modified:
03/19/2012 |