Food Pyramid – Do I Need To Use It?
The food pyramid was designed by the US Dept. Of Agriculture for public health nutrition and it provides a model, and datas like about carbohydrate, or an aid for the healthy nutrition or dieting of children. Even if it is commonly known as the food pyramid for kids, it has applications for many healthy conditions and for all ages. It basically represents a guide to good health by showing the right food choices. Meat, vegetables and fruit, fat, dairy products and cereal, wholegrain bread and pasta make the main categories. The food pyramid also emphasizes the need to keep the level of sugar and fat low.
The food pyramid also shows how many food servings to have per day. Normally, the age and the level of activity also influence the portion size, but the body weight counts a lot here too. Fat should be taken from eggs, meat and dairy products and it ought to be 30% of your diet at the maximum. Olive oil, almonds, peanuts and nuts contain very healthy unsaturated fats.
Sugars on the other hand have the lowest nutritional value and the highest level of calories. Avoid jellies, jams and soft drinks, and try to replace sugar with honey for instance. As long as your diet is balanced, there shouldn’t be any problem.
By far the best source of minerals, vitamins and protein are dairy products, and children depend most on this category in the food pyramid. Cheese, milk and yogurt should be basics for your children’s daily diet. Avoid ice-cream and fat cheese.
Lean meat as a source of protein is very important, but you have to eliminate the skin, as it is the case with chicken. Stay away from junk food because it is poison for your body. Moderation is once again the best way to stay on the safe side and provide no nutrients in excess.
As for vitamins, they usually come from fruit and vegetables. Vitamin C and A, as well as magnesium, iron and fiber are richer in leafy greens than in other foods. It is important to eat a variety of vegetables in order to get all the nutrients necessary for the optimal body functioning. Put into practice the principles of the food pyramid and you will keep disease away.
Tags: children, childrens health, food, health, kids, Nutrition, parents
