The Nutrition Pyramid - Vital For Your Body

By: A R Thompson

As a person grows older, they need to ensure that they are getting sufficient amounts of nutrients, minerals and vitamins in their diet. One way of ensuring that you are getting sufficient amounts of the above mentioned is by using the nutrition pyramid.

The nutrition pyramid provides you with a list of all the foods which are considered to be healthy and which will provide you with optimum levels of everything your body needs to remain fit and healthy. Below we take a look at the 4 levels, which make up the pyramid and the kinds of foods, which you should be eating when using it.

Base of the Pyramid - This includes those foods which contain complex carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, cereal and grains. All of which provide the body with energy which it needs. Plus these are essential especially in those people who choose to go with a very low fat diet plan. It is recommended that on average a person should be aiming to have between 6 and 11 servings of the foods in this group and this part of the pyramid each day.

Level 1 - In this part of the pyramid you will find the fruit and vegetables and it is recommended that a person should have between three and five servings of these particular foods each day. Not only do they contain large amounts of nutrients and minerals but also essential Vitamins that our bodies need. A serving of fruit could be an apple or banana whilst a serving of vegetables could be 1/2 a cup of them which you can eat either cooked or raw.

Level 2 - This part of the pyramid is made up of the dairy and meat products as well as eggs, beans and fish that are essential to the well being of our bodies. On average you should be aiming to have between 2 and 3 servings of these a day. As well as these foods providing your body with vitamins, they also provide it with protein and minerals including calcium, which is vital to sustain the bones in our body. For the meat, fish, eggs and beans you should be aiming for a serving of around 2 ounces. Also only, choose meat, which is lean.

Level 3 - Is made up of those foods which you should have very little of. In this group, you will find those foods, which contain fat and oil as well as sweet ones. The reason that you should not include too much of these in your diet are that they provide you with very few nutritional items and instead will provide you with more calories. So cut down on the oil you use when cooking and the sodas.

Although we say, you should cut out fat from your diet you should not do so completely as your body uses it to help protect your organs. Plus it also helps to improve the health of your skin and your nails. Therefore, if you do need to go for oils in your diet go for ones such as olive oil.

By using the nutrition pyramid in your diet plan you will soon find that you feel a whole let better and your energy levels have begun to improve as well. So not only will you feel better but you will also start to look a whole lot better as well.

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At Middle Age Fitness we offer you advice on how to remain fit and healthy as you grow older. If you would like to learn more about why nutrition is important in you diet then click here

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