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
efficient cleaning crew Highland Park ..We know we need to eat a minimum of 5... Read More
As you've probably heard before, your post-workout meal may very... Read More
THE RISKThe primary symptom of acid reflux is obvious to... Read More
1. Water. If you're thirsty you're already dehydrated. The majority... Read More
What is the best protein powder to buy? I get... Read More
Since Dr Basant Puri, a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer... Read More
Our bodies are truly incredible machines. What makes cells healthy?... Read More
Cholesterol is an essential building block of every cell in... Read More
Carbohydrates - found in grains, breads, pasta, and sugar, as... Read More
Lactose is the primary carbohydrate in milk. Cow's milk contains... Read More
In order to eat fewer calories than you need, you... Read More
The word cholesterol has become synonymous with poor health. Indeed,... Read More
"The physician who knows only medicine, knows not even medicine."... Read More
Coke, more commonly known as cocaine is a highly addictive... Read More
The Omega Zone Diet and specialists' opinion"Omega RX Zone -... Read More
One of the most common questions I am asked is... Read More
Did you know that there might be poison in many... Read More
Mannatech's patent-pending glyconutrients complex, Ambrotose, is perhaps the greatest wellness... Read More
Do you know anyone who can't consume milk or milk-based... Read More
For those of us that understand nutrition and it's importance... Read More
Fat burning compatible foods seem to be a popular topic... Read More
Because I believe diet and exercise are so important, I'm... Read More
What Ever Happened to the Basic FourThe USDA was originally... Read More
Spring in New York City is a really magical time.... Read More
What if you could actually slow your rate of aging,... Read More
scheduled maid service Park Ridge ..FOOD (Macro-nutrients)One of the most important aspects of hill walking... Read More
"You are what you eat."Does it sound familiar? You probably... Read More
Did you know the average American gains 5-7 pounds every... Read More
Zingiber officinale has been held in the highest regard by... Read More
Health food or heart attack on a plate? Eggs had... Read More
You've no doubt heard the saying, "You are what you... Read More
Because of consumer demand, the food industry focus is on... Read More
How did we cure ourselves of many aches pains and... Read More
Most recipes end with instructions to "serve immediately." You could... Read More
We sometimes hear about ways that we can take care... Read More
We come from a society where growing organic and just... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
People who consume too much alcohol have good chance of... Read More
Fad diets have been around for more than 50 years... Read More
Here's food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant... Read More
It is ironic how something as obvious as nutrition has... Read More
Salt is vital for our health. Right now, you have... Read More
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin like A and E.... Read More
The story of creation begins with water. Water is an... Read More
Dr. Arthur Agatston, the cardiologist who developed South Beach Diet... Read More
Headlines:Nearly a quarter of American adults just got diagnosed with... Read More
Summer is the time when we sweat highly and beating... Read More
How often do you pick up items at the grocery... Read More
You can start today - right now, even - on... Read More
You wouldn't judge a book by its cover, would you?You... Read More
Nutrition |