What's in a serving?
The amount of food you need every day from the four food groups and other foods depends on your age, sex, body size, how much physical activity you do and if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. This is why Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide gives a number of servings it recommends for each food group based on age and sex. For example, the recommended number of servings for children from 2 to 3 years old is lower than for children from 4 to 8 years old. In the same way, the recommended number of servings for females from 19 to 50 years old is lower than males from the same age group. People who are at a healthy weight but need more food, such as those who are very active, should choose extra Food Guide Servings from the four foods.
Limit foods that are high in calories, fat, sugar or salt such as chocolate, cakes, coffee, pop, fruit drinks, alcohol, French fries, salad dressing, ice cream and jam. They are also missing important nutrients. They should be used in moderation. Be aware of the portion sizes of "other" foods.
'Portions are not servings. Remember that just because something comes served as a portion (e.g. large glass, large bottle, restaurant plate) that doesn't mean it is a serving. Read more information on food serving sizes.