The Food Pyramid and What's Right for You

We all know that eating right,keeping our bodies hydrated and exercise is the key the staying healthy and fit but,to follow the Food Pyramid is easier said than done.Since grade school we have been shown the Food Pyramid over and over and until recently it seemed almost impossible to achieve the goals that the U.S.D.A. standards have set until now.

Recently the U.S.D.A. chose to put the slogan "one size doesn't fit all " on their website, www.MyPyramid.com ,this allows people to put in their age,gender,weight and height to see what exactly your body type needs,now we are finally getting somewhere.A woman my age,height and weight should intake about 2,200 calories a day which would include approximately 7 oz. of grains,3 cups of vegetables,2 cups of fruit,3 cups of milk ( or dairy) and 6 oz. of meat or beans.

Of course most of us know the categories off of the Food Pyramid but,just to refresh everyones memories we'll start with grains.Grains are broken up into two groups,whole grains and refined grains,the best benefits for the body is the fiber intake.Whole grains offer the full benefits of vitamins and minerals found in grains this includes choices such as,oatmeal,wheat flour,popcorn,wheat bread and brown rice.

It is in the refined grains group that most of achieve our alloted R.D.A. ( recommended daily allowance).Refined grains are enriched with certain B-vitamins and iron which after processing is put back in.Refined grains include,pasta,pretzels,white bread,flour,cornmeal and white rice.

Moving on to one of my favorites the Vegetable category which are divided into five groups,dark green,orange vegetables,dry beans and peas and starchy and other.In the dark green category we have broccoli,dark green leafy lettuce,spinach,bok choy and kale just to name a few.In the orange vegetables we have carrots,pumpkin,acorn squash and sweet potatoes.Most people stray from starchy vegetables because their " diet plan" says so,this list is actually quite small it includes,corn,green lima beans,green peas and potatoes.

Next we have the Other category artichokes,cucumbers,asparagus,mushrooms,eggplant,onions and tomatoes as well as a few others fall into this category.Lastly the Dry beans and peas category,this group pretty much speaks for itself.You can also achieve the full R.D.A. by drinking 100% vegetable juice such as V-8 Juice.

The next category seems to be the easiest for people to follow the Fruit category.The most common fruits in America are apples,bananas,avocados,berries,melons,oranges,raisins and grapes.The array of fruits seems almost endless in choices.In this category you can also achieve your full R.D.A. by drinking 100% fruit juices,the best choices according to U.S.D.A. are apple,orange,grape and grapefruit.Juicy Juice is a favorite brand for kids and parents alike and are 100% juice (read labels when purchasing juices most are only 10% juice).

Now we move on to the Milk and Dairy category,the most commonly consumed choices are milk,yogurt and cheese all of which are offered in several varieties.Most people especially in todays society opt for fat free or low fat selections.The Milk and Dairy product category is essential to achieve the R.D.A. for calcium in the body,which of course helps to build strong teeth,bones and muscles.

Since the 1980's there have been several people in society who chose to be vegetarians,although they do not eat meat most do in fact eat beans.Meat and Beans are very important to your dietary needs,the proteins found in meats and beans are the essential building blocks for you bones,muscles,cartilage,skin and blood.Partnering the protein factor are B-vitamins,vitamin E,Iron,Magnesium and Zinc.Meat choices can range from beef to lamb to venison to fish and poultry.

Following up the list are oils and sugars.Yes, many people who are on strict healthy diets tend to avoid oils and sugars because of the caloric issues but a small amount is actually good for your body.Oils actually contain vitamin E which helps to control blood levels.And yes,there are some sugars that are good for you and have been proven to help kick start your metabolism,break up tumors,help eyesight and strengthen the liver and pancreas.Always though oils and sugars should be kept to a bare minimum only about 280 calories of your daily caloric intake.

So,that's the Food Pyramid broken down,no one should have to feel like they should meet the entire goal of eating everything their body needs or they would be eating from the time they got up to the time they go to bed.Everyone should find what fits their own body type and needs because thankfully,we all are different.