15/01/2026
🏛️ THE 2026 PYRAMID: YOUR DAILY BLUEPRINT (GRAMS & PORTIONS) 🏛️
By now, you’ve heard the news: The US Government finally flipped the Food Pyramid. 🔄 They admitted that protein and healthy fats should be the foundation, and processed grains should be minimized.
It’s a massive victory for science, and it’s exactly how we live at RealFit.
But seeing a graphic is one thing. Knowing exactly how much to put on your plate is another.
If we look at this new Inverted Pyramid through the RealFit lens—especially for those in Phase 1 Rapid Fat Loss—here is your daily breakdown of grams, portions, and the "WHY."
🥩 TIER 1 (THE TOP): THE FOUNDATION
Focus: High-Quality Protein & Healthy Fats
This is the widest part of the new pyramid for a reason. It drives metabolism, protects muscle, and controls hunger.
HOW MUCH: 3–5 substantial servings per day.
THE DAILY TARGET (Grams): We aim for 1.2g to 1.6g of protein per kg of bodyweight. (e.g., A 70kg woman needs minimum 84g–112g daily. At RealFit, we push for 130g+ for optimal results).
WHAT A PORTION LOOKS LIKE:
A palm-sized steak or chicken breast (approx. 30g protein).
3–4 whole, large eggs.
1.5 scoops of high-quality Whey Isolate.
Note: Don't fear the natural fats that come with these proteins (like beef tallow or egg yolks)—the new guidelines say they are essential!
THE REALFIT "WHY": You cannot build a high-performance body without bricks. Protein spares your muscle while you burn fat, keeps you full for hours, and is metabolically expensive to digest (you burn calories just eating it!).
🥦 TIER 2: NUTRIENT DENSITY & VOLUME
Focus: Non-Starchy Vegetables & Low-Glycemic Fruits
This is your "filler." High volume, high micronutrients, very low calorie.
HOW MUCH: 4–6+ servings (cups) per day. Treat this as "unlimited."
THE DAILY TARGET: Aim for 25g–35g of fiber daily from these sources.
WHAT A PORTION LOOKS LIKE:
Two giant handfuls of spinach or leafy greens.
A cup of broccoli or cauliflower rice.
A small bowl of strawberries or blueberries.
THE REALFIT "WHY": Gut health, essential vitamins, and the ability to physically fill your stomach without blowing your calorie budget.
🍠 TIER 3: EARNED ENERGY (MANAGED)
Focus: Quality Starches & Legumes
In the old pyramid, this was the base. In the new one, it's a small section used only for energy demands.
HOW MUCH: 0–2 small servings per day, dependent on activity.
THE DAILY TARGET (Grams): Highly variable. On a rest day? Maybe 0g–30g. On a heavy leg day? Maybe 100g.
WHAT A PORTION LOOKS LIKE:
A "cupped hand" size of cooked sweet potato, quinoa, or lentils (~120g cooked weight).
THE REALFIT "WHY": We use these to replenish muscle glycogen after intense training. If you haven't earned it in the gym, you probably don't need it on your plate today.
🚫 TIER 4 (THE TIP): THE "AVOID" ZONE
Focus: Refined Grains, Sugar & Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs)
The new guidelines are clear: these are the drivers of chronic disease.
HOW MUCH: As close to zero as possible.
THE TARGET: 0g added sugar.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: Bread, pasta, cereal, seed oils, boxed snacks, sugary drinks.
THE REALFIT "WHY": These cause systemic inflammation, spike insulin (turning off fat burning), and hijack your brain's reward centers. They have no place in a RealFit lifestyle.
SUMMARY: The world is finally waking up. Eat real protein, use real fat, fill up on veg, and stop fearing real food.
👇 Which tier do you struggle with the most? Hitting that high protein number, or cutting the Tier 4 junk? Let us know below!
Helene Van Loggerenberg