The Pyramid Diet

An equilibrated diet plays a huge role in having a fit and healthy body. Based on medical research, a diet was created based on a pyramid model when categorizing the main food groups.

The diet is actually a guide, that teaches us what and how much to eat, in order to avoid the main things that harm our bodies, such as fats, cholesterol, sugars and excessive alcohol.

The pyramid is the symbol of stability, of harmony and it represents a perfect structure, it has a solid base, and each level supports the next one. Except the top, all the steps of a pyramid must be intact in order to maintain the structure intact. Exactly the same way a healthy diet system must be built, in order to obtain results from it.

The pyramid diet demands that the food groups be distributed according to the number of portions necessary. For example, the cereal group is the base, and has the largest number of daily portions. The next level is the one of the fruits and vegetables, with a lower number of daily portions, and so on. Also, it must be known, that no level is more important that the other, and products from each level must be used daily. Of course, we can skip the top, because it will not affect the stability of the diet.

In order to determine the size and content of each portion, we need to follow some rules: 3/4 from the total must be cereals, vegetables and fruits, and only 1/4 must be meat or fish. Reduce the fats, and make sure you have the right quantity for you.

The First Level - The Base

Bread, Cereals, rice or pasta obtained from grain gives the body a good energy push. Because they contain a lot of fibers, these products must be consumed daily, at least 4 times. Pick the low fat products, and avoid sugar related products such as cookies.

The Second Level

The fruits and vegetables are low in fats, rich in vitamins, minerals and fibers. During the day, you need to change between the type of fruits and vegetables you consume, because each one of them contain different vitamins and minerals. Make sure you eat fruits two times a day, and vegetables at least three times a day.

The Third Level

This level contains two food groups: the first one, respectively milk, yogurt, and cheese, and the second containing light meat, fish, eggs, and nuts. All these products are rich in proteins, calcium, iron and zinc, which are a must have for your body. Drink milk,yogurt or eat cheese at least two times a day, and eat products from the other group at least three times.

The Top

Fats, cholesterol, and sugars form the top of the diet pyramid. Here we find the sweets, the butter, the French fries, etc. If we remove these, the pyramid will not be affected in any way, because they just bring a high caloric input, and are lacking nutritive elements. It is recommended that these products must be avoided as much as possible.

Following this pyramid diet scheme, your body is sure to stay in shape, and you have a great chance to increase your health, and also feel better about yourself.