Nutrition Pyramid

Climbing the Nutrition Pyramid

A safe way to ensure that your body is receiving the recommended amount for each food group is to consult the food pyramid. Even a child can enjoy using the food nutrition pyramid because there are pictures that illustrate the type of food you should eat and the amount in proportion to other food groups. In 1992, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) renamed the famous food pyramid into the Improved American Food Guide Pyramid.

The group at the bottom of the pyramid, indicating that a higher consumption of this food group is required, is the grains and group. The fiber found in food categorized in the grain group help regulate a person's digestive and excretory systems. The second group includes the vegetables. Green, leafy, brightly colored, plant related food, that are rich in vitamins and minerals are included in these groups.

Vegetables are rich in vitamins like A and C, potassium as well as fiber, and they are low in sodium, calories and fat. A serving is equivalent to 1/2 cup cooked or raw vegetables. The third group includes the fruits that a person eats. Fruits are a great source of vitamins, fibers as well as sugar that gives the body energy. The next important food group is the dairy group. 2-3 servings of dairy each day is beneficial for the body.

Beans, nuts, poultry, meat and fish make up the next group. The food pyramid suggests about 2-3 servings of this protein-rich group daily. Finally we have the fats, oils and sweets group. The food nutrition pyramid is a great way to follow through with any diet regimen and is a great tool that even children can use.

The nutrition pyramid is a key which helps you to choose from an array of foods. The base of the pyramid comprises of your bread, cereals, grains and pastas. Refrain from processed foods.

The next level of the nutrition pyramid comprises of the various fruits and vegetables which are rich in nutrients as well as vitamins such as Vitamin A and C, folic acid and potassium. This group has high fiber content and a low fat and sodium content. The following level is your eggs, fish, beans and lean meat which contain an essential source of protein, zinc and iron. The next level of the nutrition pyramid comprises of all your dairy products which provide you with vitamins and minerals, calcium and protein. One should preferably buy low fat milk and cheese. The tip of the nutritional pyramid comprises of sweets and fats and this is the smallest part of the pyramid and one should only take in very small portions and should be eaten sparingly and these foods are packed with calories. Probably the simplest way to eat healthy is by following the food pyramid. It was designed to teach people healthy eating habits and the basic nutritional needs of a human body. Look at a food pyramid and see whether you are eating healthy!

The food nutrition pyramid is based on the grain/cereal/starch category. The pyramid recommends 6 to 11 servings of this section each day. One serving is defined as: half a cup of rice OR cereal OR pasta OR 1 slice of bread. 3 to 5 servings of both fruit and vegetables is the recommended daily intake. One serving means half a cup of juice OR mixed fruit OR one piece of fruit or vegetable. 2 to 3 servings of meat and dairy each is the proposed amount. The meat group also includes nuts, eggs, beans and fish.

Fats, oils and lollies are at very top of the food pyramid and are recommended to only be eaten occasionally or never. Follow the food nutrition pyramid and you will have a healthy body!