In the period, 1986-1990, the chart shows that people's diet has declined in terms of grain from 49% to 45% and for fruit and vegetables from 24% to 21%. In terms of milk and meat, however, it has risen somewhat. Milk in the diet has improved from 10% to 13% and meat has improved from 17% to 21%. It is possible in China, for example, that because grain cannot be produced as easily as rice and that many Chinese prefer rice to grain, that this is a reason for this decline. The decrease in the use of fruit and vegetables in the diet may indicate that people are not eating as healthy a daily diet as they should. It would appear that more people are conscious of the need to drink milk products, or there is a larger production of milk, or there is a greater access to milk. The larger increase in meat may be partly answered by a larger supply of meats such as chicken.
In the US, we are aware of several food groups which we should eat regularly for good health. On a daily basis, we should eat some fresh fruit, citrus fruit, green and red vegetables, starch which could come from grains or rice, dairy products, and a limited amount of meat. Fish should be eaten at least on a weekly basis. The best aspects of a good diet emphasize eating more fresh fruit, citrus fruit, green and red vegetables, dairy products, and starch. Meat such as chicken or other fowl, if not fried, is the best meat to eat. Pork and beef are less healthy than chicken, fowl, and fish. Almost all fried foods are unhealthy, as well as foods which have lots of fat or grease in their cooking. Eggs should be eaten in moderation. The key to a good diet is always moderation.