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.
Pyramid Base - This is made up of foods such as cereal, grain, pasta
and bread which contain complex carbohydrates in them. These are
essential part of any diet as they will help to provide your body with
energy that it needs to function on a day to day basis. These are even
more essential for those people whose diets are very low in fat as they
will help to protect the body as well. On average a person should be
aiming to have between 6 and 11 servings of these 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 - This part of the pyramid is made up of the dairy and meat
products as well as eggs, beans and fish that are essential to the well
being of our bodies. On average you should be aiming to have between 2
and 3 servings of these a day. As well as these foods providing your
body with vitamins, they also provide it with protein and minerals
including calcium, which is vital to sustain the bones in our body. For
the meat, fish, eggs and beans you should be aiming for a serving of
around 2 ounces. Also only, choose meat, which is lean.
Level 3 - This is the upper part of the pyramid and is made up of the
foods which one should only be eating infrequently. Included in this
group of foods is oils and fats as well as those that have a high sugar
content. Although you should cut back on these foods you do not need to
eliminate them from your diet completely.
The reason why one should not cut out fat foods from their diet is that
they actually protect the organs in the body by providing them with
padding. Also these foods are essential at helping your skin and nails
to remain healthy. The best kinds of oils to include within your diet
if you need to use them are olive and canola ones.
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.
