Food in general has the distinction of being probably the first thing we all think about in the mornings before our feet hit the floor. The main reason for this is we cannot survive without it. There are four major food groups arranged in what is commonly called the food pyramid. At the base of the food pyramid lies the group that contains breads, grains, pastas and cereals. These foods provide complex carbohydrates, which are an important source of energy, especially for a low-fat meal plan. You can make various low-fat choices from foods in this group.
You will need 6 to 11 servings of these foods in a day. Try to eat whole-grain breads, cereal and pasta for most of your servings from this group. Whole-grain foods are less processed and retain more valuable vitamins, minerals and fiber than foods made with white flour. When you purchase whole-grain foods look for breads and pastas with "stone ground whole-wheat flour" as the first ingredient, because some "wheat" breads may be white breads with only caramel coloring added.
The next group in the pyramid is fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are rich in nutrients. Many are excellent sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, folate or potassium. They are low in fat and sodium and high in fiber. The Food Pyramid suggests 3 to 5 servings of vegetables, and 2 to 4 servings of fruits each day. Count only 100% fruit juice as a fruit, and limit juice consumption. Many commercial bottled juices come in containers that hold more than 2 servings - which can add lots of sugar and calories to your daily diet. Punches, ades and most fruit "drinks" have only a bit of juice and lots of sugar. Fruit sodas are sugary drinks and they do not count as fruit, either.
Up next on the pyramid are proteins such as beans, eggs, fish, and meat. Meat, poultry and fish supply protein, zinc and iron. Non-meat foods such as dried peas and beans also provide many of these nutrients. The Food Pyramid suggests 2 to 3 servings of cooked poultry, fish or meat. Each serving should be between 2 and 3 ounces. Pick lean meat, fish and dry beans and peas often because these are lowest in fat.
Continuing on we come to dairy products. Products made with milk provide protein, vitamins and minerals, especially calcium. The Food Pyramid suggests 2 to 3 servings each day. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, a teenager or a young adult age 24 or under, try to have 3 servings. Most others should have 2 servings every day. Go light on high-fat cheese and ice cream. Choose non-fat milk and yogurt and cheeses made from skim milk because they are lower in fat.
Lastly are sweets and fats. These make up the Food Pyramids smallest part, so the fats and sweets in the top of the Food Pyramid should comprise the smallest percentage of your daily diet. The foods at the top of the food pyramid should be eaten moderately because they provide calories but not much in the way of nutrition. These foods include salad dressings, oils, butter, cream, margarine, sugars, soft drinks, candies and sweet desserts.
The author teaches people how to eat in a healthy manner and nurture their bodies without feeling deprived.
Rose Marie Allesando is passionate about food and is the webmaster of food a to z
housekeepers near Des Plaines ..Please feel free to comment, so that the article may... Read More
Do you want more energy? How about more of the... Read More
In the last twenty years, a huge and growing body... Read More
Fats (triacylglycerols) ...Some basic terminology ...fat or fatty acid ...In... Read More
You wouldn't judge a book by its cover, would you?You... Read More
Having spent most of my life living off of junk... Read More
Most recipes end with instructions to "serve immediately." You could... Read More
Could it be possible that our beloved chocolate may actually... Read More
Here is a continuation of the light and darkness metaphor:... Read More
Niacin, also called nicotinic acid, is a member of the... Read More
The acai (ah-sigh-ee) berry has been around for thousands of... Read More
You may have heard that essential fats are an important... Read More
The first place that we cut corners when we are... Read More
Dr. Barry Sears revolutionized nutritional thinking around the world with... Read More
How often do you pick up items at the grocery... Read More
A green and lush oasis in the middle of a... Read More
OmegaRx Fish Oil, quoted as being close to a Medical... Read More
There seems to be fairly poor tracking by any formal... Read More
Enzymes are the workers in our body that make everything... Read More
What is your brain made ofOver 50% of your brain... Read More
The word herb is used to refer to any part... Read More
Studies on whey demonstrate it's an even better protein supplement... Read More
It slows ageing, promotes healthy vision, has anti-cancer properties, increases... Read More
For most people, the concept of capsulized food? usually conjures... Read More
Diet nutrition physiqueToday, learning about diet nutrition physique isn't all... Read More
custom home cleaning Glenview ..For a natural and tasty way to improve your health... Read More
The subject of health care itself often seems plagued with... Read More
Soy, and most soy-based products, are nutritional powerhouses. Soybeans are... Read More
There are a number of common food mistakes that costs... Read More
We've heard it not only once or twice or even... Read More
Americans are literally running out of time. Achieving a work-life... Read More
Milk is highly underrated. Experts say, America finds itself in... Read More
How is it that we can't seem to think that... Read More
Most of us eat at restaurants for a variety of... Read More
The makers of Bumble Bee Tuna generated some buzz today... Read More
While packages of the artificial sweetener Splenda claim, "made from... Read More
Why does disease begin in the digestive tract? Your digestive... Read More
The concept isometric has been a part of the health... Read More
It is often taken as a given fact that soy... Read More
If you are like most people, you've tried dieting before.... Read More
Have you seen those "fat free" foods in supermarkets? Have... Read More
Dr. Barry Sears revolutionized nutritional thinking around the world with... Read More
When you take your food next time, take care of... Read More
I'd like to explain an important concept that most online... Read More
Weight loss plans are almost always trying to get you... Read More
Are you worried yet about your health? Are you anxious... Read More
The topic of nutrition is one that is always present... Read More
Come on, guys and gals. Those Trix are for kids.And... Read More
Did you know that much of our dry skin comes... Read More
What are Glyconutrients? Glyconutrients are eight newly discovered biologically-active sugars... Read More
Nutrition |