The Healthy Food Pyramid: New Version Of Food Pyramid
Food Group Pyramid
Following the guidelines in the healthy food pyramid will make balancing your diet simple. The foundation of the food pyramid is supported by whole grains, followed by vegetables and fruits, meats and dairy, and finally fats.
The pyramid grows smaller and smaller signifying the portions or servings of food recommended for each of the food groups. Notice that meats, dairy, and fats are at the top, meaning these foods should be a small part of your diet.
Healthy Food Pyramid: Whole Grains
Whole grains are a very important part of your daily diet. Whole grains include whole-wheat cereals, breads, pasta, brown rice, millet, oats, and many others. According to the food pyramid the body should get more servings of these foods than any other food group.
Whole grains are rich in complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber and usually little or no fat. Eating six to eight servings of whole grains a day is crucial for carrying waste products speedily through the body. Know the difference between whole grains and refined grains because it will save your health.
Healthy Food Pyramid: Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are also great sources of fiber and where you receive the most vitamins and minerals. It is very important that you include at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, but more is better.
Eating a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is the most beneficial to your health because each fruit and vegetable has its own essential nutrient that the body needs.
Healthy Food Pyramid: Meat and Legumes
The food pyramid links legumes and lentils with meat because they are the group with protein foods. But beans are just as important in your diet as whole grains are, especially if you are a vegetarian.
Two portions of these food groups are recommended in a day. Beans, peas, and lentils are excellent sources of protein and also contain significant amounts of minerals and B vitamins.
Legume eaters are healthier than meat eaters because they have very little fat. In fact meat does not need to be included in a well balanced diet. Protein is one of the easiest vitamins to get from food. There are some great recipes that can be made with legumes that will satisfy the taste buds and the body immensely.
Food Pyramid: Dairy
Milk and cheeses are good sources of protein, calcium, potassium and B vitamins. It is recommended to eat about two servings of dairy a day. Raw dairy digests better than pasteurized dairy products do.
Too much cooked dairy is also constipating. If you’re trying to lose weight, then it is not a good idea to over do it on the diary products because they are high in fat.
The main thing to remember in a balanced diet is not eating too much of one food group, or too little of a food group. It’s balancing out your foods and eating the portions that are recommended for each food group. This is what the food pyramid was established for. The food pyramid is your guideline for healthy eating.
Top of Healthy Food Pyramid
Return to Healthy Foods Make The Headlines
Healthy Eating Homepage
|