How Does Food Pyramid Help Individuals Eat Healthy Diet?

The food pyramid is an essential tool for those trying to eat a healthy diet. It provides guidance on which foods to include in your diet, the ideal servings of each type, and how to balance your overall nutrition.

The pyramid was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1992 and has been updated several times since then. It is an easy-to-understand visual representation of the types of foods that should make up your daily diet.

The current food pyramid suggests that you make fruits and vegetables the base of your meals. Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and fiber. You should aim to eat at least five servings a day, which works out to two cups of fruit and two-and-a-half cups of vegetables.

Next up on the pyramid are grains. These include breads, cereals, oats, rice, and pasta – all of which should be whole grain as much as possible. Aim for 6 servings a day or 3 ounces (or 85g).

Following grains come proteins – lean meats such as poultry or fish; eggs; legumes; nuts; seeds; and tofu or other plant-based proteins like tempeh. Aim for 2-3 servings per day but limit red meat.

Dairy completes the food pyramid. Dairy includes milk products like yogurt and cheese – look for low fat versions here – as well as calcium-fortified soymilk if you don’t consume dairy products.

Fats & Sugars, while not part of the pyramid itself, still need to be taken into consideration in order to maintain a healthy balanced diet. Fats are found in nuts, oils, avocados etc., while sugars are found in foods like candy bars or sugary drinks.

By following these guidelines based on the food pyramid you can ensure that you get all the essential nutrients required for optimal health while keeping your calorie intake under control.

In conclusion, following the food pyramid is an effective way to ensure you’re eating a balanced diet that’s full of essential nutrients while controlling calorie intake. It also helps individuals understand how much they should be eating from each food group in order to maintain good health.