Things you should know about the food pyramid

There are many different types of food pyramid that are available for you to follow. The original food pyramid was devised in 1960s and was written to try and combat the increasing problems of heart failure, and other dietary related deaths.

The basic structure of the food pyramid keeps the staple foods at the bottom. These are the items of food that you need to consume the most of. So right at the bottom, the foundation of everything else is bread and your grain products. Unfortunately the current US Department of agriculture food pyramid does not actually tell you which of these grains to be eating. There is a new revision of the food pyramid which should be released in 2010. It is suggested that they will be detailing exactly what kind of foods are good for you and which are not. So before the US Department of Agriculture releases a new document, you should know that at the bottom of the pyramid you should be eating whole-grain foods. This includes whole-grain pasta, whole grain bread, and brown rice.

The next level up is fresh fruit and vegetables. Everyone knows about the five a Day that you are supposed to be eating. The reason for this is not only for the dietary fiber that you will be consuming but also fruit and vegetables contain essential minerals and vitamins. If you can, try and eat as many of the vegetables raw. This way you are maximizing the nutrition intake.

On the third level are milk and dairy products. Try and consume as many low-fat options in this area as you possibly can. The fourth level up includes meat, poultry, eggs, nuts, fish, and beans.

Right at the top of the food pyramid as the really bad things that you are not allowed to eat lots of. This includes all candy bars, cakes and cookies, oils, anything that is processed really.

I hope you have enjoyed reading this article and that it has given you some insight into the workings of the food pyramid.