How to Use the Food Pyramid to Create a Proper Healthy Diet

Poor eating habits can be very hard to break, especially when certain tempting foods are not always healthy. Despite popular belief, healthy eating can actually be very enjoyable. The food pyramid created by the United States Department of Agriculture makes it easy to make the most of nutrition while also enjoying your meals.

Instructions

1

Select food portions from each category based on its position on the pyramid. For instance, eat a larger amount of fruits, vegetables and whole grains each day but limit fats and sugars. Foods that are best eaten in moderation are found closer to the top of the pyramid.

2

Use healthy fats and oils in your diet in your cooking.These are at the bottom of the pyramid and are healthier to use than butter or saturated fats.

3

Choose a wide variety of foods from each of the food groups on the pyramid. For instance, eat different-colored vegetables to reap the unique benefits of each color. Variety in food ensures that your body gets all of the vitamins and nutrients required to be healthy.

4

Limit portions to prevent consuming too many calories. An excess of calories contributes to weight gain. Keep track of calories you consume if you think you might be over or under consuming.

5

Combine foods from various food groups to create dishes that are appealing to you and your family. This is especially helpful if you have a picky eater or need to eat something you do not like. Many recipes can be found for free at grocery stores or online.

6

Substitute foods with equivalent nutrients if you are unable to eat from a specific food group. For instance, if you cannot tolerate dairy, you can substitute a lactose-intolerant equivalent such as soy milk.