Northeast Regional Dry Beans, Nuts, Eggs, Poultry, Fish, Meats

Like the USDA Food Pyramid, the second level of the NERFG Pyramid consists of two food groups: Dry beans, nuts, eggs, poultry, fish, and meats; and Milk yogurt, and cheese group. This is the level of the pyramid where most of the foods from animal sources are found. However, this food group contains plant foods as well. Plant foods are those that are parts of plants grow in the soil as opposed to animal foods that come from animals that feed on a variety of plant foods (grass, hay, various grains, etc.).

Foods from this group supply protein, B vitamins, iron, and zinc. The Food Guide Pyramid suggests 2 to 3 servings each day from this group. If these are supplied by meat, poultry, or fish, the total amount recommended is equivalent of 5 to 7 ounces. The following counts as one serving: 2-3 ounces of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish, 3-ounce piece of meat is about the size of an average hamburger, or the amount of meat on a medium chicken breast half.

The recommendation from this food group can also be met with the plant food it contains. Since meat, fish, and poultry are major contributors of iron, zinc, and B vitamins, vegetarians need to pay special attention to these nutrients. 1 cup of cooked dry beans, 2 eggs, or 4 tablespoons of a nut butter count as one serving from this food group.

The Northeast produces, or harvests, a wide variety of foods that fit into this food group - Dry Beans and Legumes, Nuts, Eggs, Poultry, Fish, and Meats.

But what if I want to follow a vegetarian diet?

fats, oils, sweets | milk, yogurt, cheese | dry beans, nuts, eggs, poultry, fish, meats
fruits and vegetables | breads, cereal, pasta, tortillas, whole grains

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