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The Nutrition Pyramid - Vital For Your Body

By: A R Thompson

As we grow older so it is important that we provide our bodies with sufficient amounts of minerals, vitamins and nutrients. One of the best way of ensuring that this is done is by using the nutrition pyramid.

This nutrition or food pyramid was devised in the USA and provides a list of those foods which are considered to be healthy. These foods are then able to provide your body with what it needs in order for it to carrying on working and helping you to remain fit and healthy. There are 4 levels that make up the pyramid and below we take a look at what these are and the foods that make up them.

Base of the Pyramid - This includes those foods which contain complex carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, cereal and grains. All of which provide the body with energy which it needs. Plus these are essential especially in those people who choose to go with a very low fat diet plan. It is recommended that on average a person should be aiming to have between 6 and 11 servings of the foods in this group and this part of the pyramid each day.

Level 1 - This part of the pyramid is made up of fruit and vegetables and a person should be aiming to have between 3 and 5 servings of these particular foods each day. These foods are particular good as they contain essential vitamins such as A, C and D all of which are vital for our bodies to remain in good condition. A serving of these can be made up either of 1/2 cup of raw or cooked vegetables or an apple, banana or orange.

Level 2 - At this level of the pyramid you will find those foods which are essential for keeping the body in good condition but which you do not need to each as much of. Foods that come into this part of the pyramid are meats (lean), fish, eggs, beans and peas and dairy products. It is recommended that you should only have between 2 or 3 servings of the foods in these particular groups each day. So say 2 ounces of chicken breast with a green salad would constitute one serving on any given day.

Level 3 - Is made up of those foods which you should have very little of. In this group, you will find those foods, which contain fat and oil as well as sweet ones. The reason that you should not include too much of these in your diet are that they provide you with very few nutritional items and instead will provide you with more calories. So cut down on the oil you use when cooking and the sodas.

Although we say, you should cut out fat from your diet you should not do so completely as your body uses it to help protect your organs. Plus it also helps to improve the health of your skin and your nails. Therefore, if you do need to go for oils in your diet go for ones such as olive oil.

By keeping the nutrition pyramid in mind when planning your dietary intake each day will help to ensure that you and your body remain fit and healthy for years to come. Often within a matter of weeks of keeping in mind the pyramids requirements you may soon find that your energy levels are improving and life is looking at whole lot rosier.

Article Source: http://www.diet-article.com

Here at Middle Age Fitness we offer you advice on how to remain fit and healthy as your grow older. If you would like to discover more about the importance of nutrition in your diet then click here

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