What Are the Healthy Foods in the Food Pyramid?

Almost everyone has heard of the Food Pyramid, the USDA’s visual guide to healthy eating. But what are the actual healthy foods that should be part of your diet?

The food pyramid is divided into six major food groups: grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, proteins, and oils. Grains should make up the base of your diet with 6-11 servings per day. Whole grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa are especially recommended. Vegetables should take up the next tier with 3-5 servings per day.

These can include leafy greens such as spinach and kale as well as starchy veggies like potatoes and corn. Fruits should also be at least 3-5 servings per day and can include apples, oranges, berries and bananas. Dairy is necessary for calcium intake with at least 2-3 servings per day of low fat milk or yogurt. Proteins can include lean meats like chicken or fish as well as plant based proteins such as beans and nuts. Finally, healthy oils such as olive oil or canola oil should be used sparingly for cooking and dressings.

Benefits of Eating Healthy

Eating a balanced diet from all of these food groups has many health benefits including maintaining a healthy weight, boosting energy levels throughout the day, strengthening bones and muscles through adequate protein intake, reducing risk of heart disease due to omega-3 fatty acids found in fish proteins, improving digestion through increased fiber intake from whole grains and vegetables, boosting immunity through vitamin C found in fruits and vegetables and promoting overall mental health due to B vitamins found in whole grains. Eating a variety of these foods every day is essential for a balanced diet full of diverse nutrients to keep you feeling your best!

Conclusion
What Are the Healthy Foods in the Food Pyramid? The USDA Food Pyramid recommends 6-11 servings of whole grains such as oats or brown rice; 3-5 servings each of vegetables, fruits; 2-3 servings each of dairy products; lean meats like chicken or fish; plant based proteins such as beans or nuts;and healthy oils such as olive oil for dressings or cooking purposes. Eating a balanced diet from all these food groups provides many health benefits such as maintaining a healthy weight; boosting energy levels; strengthening bones and muscles; reducing risk of heart disease; improving digestion; boosting immunity;and promoting overall mental health.