Final answer:
It is false that starchy fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and beans and legumes are appropriate for a low-energy-dense diet. A low-energy-dense diet is one that has a lower calorie content per weight of food, focusing on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and grains, while limiting high-calorie foods.
Step-by-step explanation:
False, starchy fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and beans and legumes are not considered energy-dense foods that can be included in a low-energy-dense diet. Instead, a low-energy-dense diet is characterized by foods that contain fewer calories per gram, facilitating weight management and potentially aiding in weight loss. Foods such as dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, and cooked dry beans (legumes), provide a significant amount of nutrients while having low energy density. Starchy vegetables and fruits provide important energy sources but are higher in energy density compared to non-starchy varieties. Including a variety of protein foods, such as seafood, lean meats, and legumes, is recommended but within appropriate portions to maintain a balanced diet.
It is crucial to make choices that align with the principles of energy and nutrient density to support a healthy diet. The 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests choosing a variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), and nuts, while limiting saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. Additionally, MyPyramid provides a visual guideline for balanced eating, emphasizing portion control and food variety within each food group.