Thursday, March 15, 2007

Utilizing The Food Pyramid For A Healthy Diet Plan

In our never-ending quest to be slim and fit, different people
have different ideas about what type of body looks best. And
due to this diversity in opinion, some of us are going to the
extremes of the dieting spectrum. Losing weight is one thing,
starving ourselves is completely something else. And the worst
part is it's very unhealthy. Our bodies need certain nutrients
- including fat - to help keep us alert, focused and energized.
And depriving ourselves of the essentials that we need to
achieve the highest level of functionality is detrimental in
more ones than one. We might be losing weight at a rapid rate
by practicing our chosen eating habits (or lack of), but what's
the point if we're sick as a result of it? If you want to keep
fit and slim, follow a healthy diet plan that will abide by you
not just for right now, but throughout the years to come as
well.

The USDA food pyramid is something that we're all familiar
with, but seem to ignore. It was specifically devised to help
us reach our fullest nutritional potential and even though it
can tend to be a little confusing (which is mainly why we
disregard it), the main components ring true at any extent and
should always be incorporated into a healthy diet plan. The
food pyramid was actually revised in 2005 to indicate six food
groups in lieu of there previously only being three. And
there's no skimping allowed with it either - serving sizes are
mandated, big or small - which will not only guarantee that
you're getting your daily requirements, but it will also ensure
that you're eating, period. Following are the six required
elements and their applicable serving sizes as reflected on the
current, recently-revised pyramid that now includes three
protein subgroups.

1. Protein Sub-group: Fats, Oils and Sweets (in moderation)
2. Protein Sub-group: Milk, Yogurt and Cheese - 2 to 3 servings

3. Protein Sub-groups: Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs and
Nuts - 2 to 3 servings
4. Carbohydrates: Bread, Cereal, Rice and Pasta - 2 to 11
servings
5. Vegetables - 3 to 5 servings
6. Fruits - 2 to 4 servings

And know that the best part of the food pyramid's daily
requirements is that you can mix it up. Just because it says
'grains', doesn't mean it has to be boring. There really is an
abundance of food choices for each different group. For
example, fruit and vegetable servings can include juice as well
- you don't necessarily have to wolf down 4 apples a day. You
just have to take a little time to discover which choices you
enjoy the most and make you happiest as you follow your healthy
diet plan.

And if you've got any chronic health issues that require
certain necessary dietary habits, e.g. diabetes, heart disease,
a thyroid condition, always consult with your physician before
making any changes to your eating habits. He or she can map out
the healthy diet plan that will work best for you, not against
you, and in most cases, improve and maintain your overall
well-being, not only from a nutritional standpoint.


About The Author: Get all the latest information about Healthy
Diets, from the only true source at
http://www.1healthydietinformation.com. Be sure to check out
our healthy diet plan pages.

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