Meat, Poultry, Fish, and Dry Beans Group (2554)

The meat, poultry, fish, and dry beans group comprises one area on the food guide pyramid. This group also includes eggs and nuts.

Meat, chicken, turkey, and fish supply protein, B vitamins, iron, and other foods in this group—dry beans, eggs, and nuts—are similar, providing protein and most vitamins and minerals.

One 3 ounces serving of meat is about the size of a deck of cards or the palm of your hand.

Count these meat alternatives as 1 ounce of meat. Younger children may need smaller serving sizes.

- ½ cup of cooked dry beans, peas, or lentils

- 1 egg

- 2 tablespoons peanut butter

- 1/3 cup nuts or seeds

When choosing foods from this group, consider fat content. Here are three guidelines for making lower-fat choices:

- Choose lean meat, poultry without skin, fish, dry beans, and peas often

- Prepare meats in low-fat ways

- Trim all visible fat

- Broil, roast, or boil meats instead of frying them

- Nuts, seeds and peanut butter are high in fat; enjoy them, but eat them in moderation.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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