Some foods, such as boiled rice, are believed to be neutral and therefore are considered staple foods. The Chinese are advised to keep a balance of these two opposing forces and avoid the extreme of both. In the United States, current dietary recommendations embrace similar principles to achieve balanced nutrition. The Food Guide Pyramid is the framework that balances the types and amount of foods that contribute to a healthful eating style. This means balancing out a variety of food selections over the course of a few days and eating moderate amounts of many different types of foods.
Portion control is another important tool for achieving good nutrition.
The nearly 70,000-member American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. With headquarters in Chicago, ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. Established in 1990, NCND is ADA's public education center and provides objective food and nutrition information.