Nutritionists advise you to center your daily intake on the base of the food pyramid and work your way up accordingly, eating less of each group the higher the group is on the pyramid scale. People wishing to lose weight should eat the minimum recommended serving number and people wishing to gain weight should eat the maximum. People who are looking for a more exact and accurate form of food intake measurement should consider counting their caloric intake.
CANDY:
Fats, oils and sweets. Experts say to use sparingly.
DAIRY:
It is recommended the average person have 2-3 servings from the dairy group, which includes milk, yogurt and cheese.
MEAT:
3-5 servings are recommended from this group, which also includes beef, poultry, fish, dry beans and nuts.
FRUIT:
Apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, pears, peaches and strawberries too! All of these fruits and many more are in the fruit group, with a recommended daily intake of 2-4 servings.
VEGETABLES:
Everything green like spinach, lettuce, peas, and beans can be found in the vegetable group. A vital source of nutrients, the recommended daily value for vegetables is slightly more than that for fruits, with 3-5 servings per day.
GRAINS:
At the base of the pyramid, you will find the bread, cereal, rice, and pasta group, commonly referred to as the grain group. There are 6-11 daily servings recommended from this group. The healthiest members of this group are whole grains.
In today’s hurried and hectic world, many people are not finding time to feed their bodies well. Fast food restaurants and drive-through windows have made poor eating habits convenient and popular, and have made it easier to forget the principles outlined in the food pyramid. Many people have become accustomed to extravagant lifestyles and cuisines that do not include natural foods. People neglect basic fruits and vegetables in favor of processed food and drink.
It is necessary for young children to understand the basic principles of proper nutrition as these principles impact their growth and cognitive development. To adults, the food pyramid is even more important. An estimated 37 million Americans have high-risk blood cholesterol rates, which can be an effect of bad dietary cholesterol intake, or a direct result of too much saturated fat in your diet.
It is necessary to consume foods from all the different food groups if you want to maintain a healthy diet. No one food can provide you with all of the nutrients you need to have a strong body. Foods contain a wide variety of nutrients and vitamins. For example, calcium is most concentrated in the dairy group, and is found in milk, yogurt and cheese. It is very important for people to get their proper daily dose of calcium. Children and teenagers need lots of calcium to help develop stronger bones. People over the age of 50 also need calcium to maintain good bone structure and avoid osteoporosis. Choosing which dairy product to get your calcium from is not hard. You should choose an option that is low in fat or fat free to avoid saturated fat. Skim milk is the optimal choice.
Iron is also an important nutrient, and is vital to young children, teenage girls and pregnant women. Large amounts of iron can be found in sardines, spinach, and shrimp. Knowing which nutrients your body needs most, and in what foods they can be found, is the key to maintaining a healthy body. Following the food pyramid as well as getting regular exercise will help you lead a fit and full lifestyle.
By Stacy Hinojosa