Nutrition and the Food Pyramid

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According to The United States Government there are certain dietary guidelines you should follow to maintain a healthy lifestyle:

Eat a Variety of Foods
You should vary the types of foods you eat as much as possible. This variety will give you access to the widest array of vitamins and nutrients.

Balance the Foods with Exercise

Balance the types and quantities of foods you eat with physical exercise or other activity.

Choose Vegetables and Grains
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that have vitamins and minerals. Eat grains that have fibers and complex carbohydrates

Choose foods low in fat and cholesterol
Foods low in fat especially saturated fats has been shown to decrease the risk of heart attacks and many types of cancer. Additionally foods lower in fat are effective in preventing obesity

Choose Foods Low in Sugars

Sugars have a high concentration of calories and a comparatively low number of nutrients. You should have only a moderate amount sugars in your diet.

Choose Foods Low in Salt
Diets low in salt and sodium have been proven to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack.

Limit Alcoholic Intake
Alcoholic beverages have a little or no vitamins and nutrients. Excessive alcoholic consumption has also been shown to have long term side effects.

To help people choose the proper foods the food pyramid was developed. The pyramid is not regimented diet program but more of a set of general guidelines. According to the recommendations you should eat the following:

• 5-11 servings per day of rice, breads, cereals, or pasta
• 3-5 servings of vegetables per day
• 2-4 servings of fruit per day
• 2-3 servings of milk, yogurt or cheese per day
• 2-3 servings of meat, fish, poultry, eggs and nuts.
• Fats, oils and sweets should be consumed sparingly

For more information consult the US Government’s Website on the Food Pyramid

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