The Food Pyramid Diet

Changes in lifestyle and stress from work and daily activities pose a high need for proper nutrition and diet to avoid various health problems. The food pyramid is a helpful guide to proper nutrition. The United States Department of Agriculture developed a new food pyramid diet guide in 2005 that will help guide consumers to smart food choices.

The Composition of the Food Pyramid Diet

The food pyramid diet guide is a valuable tool that anyone can use to identify ideal food choices. Diana Rodriguez of everydayhealth.com explains that the food pyramid is designed to provide proper nutritional guidelines about how much of each food group to eat. It should not be taken as a set of hard and fast rules but rather a guide for proper nutrition.

Changes were made in the food pyramid in conjunction with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. A new section for discretionary calories is added to the five major food groups to allow an individual to add some extras. The new guidelines take into account differences in gender, ages and levels of activities.

The major food groups in the new food pyramid include grains, vegetables, milk, fruit, meats and beans, oils and a section for discretionary calories and physical activities.

Maximizing Health with the Food Pyramid Diet

Eat whole-grain foods such as wheat bread, brown rice, cereals and whole wheat pasta. Better nutrients can be obtained when eating vegetables and fruits daily. Consume low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Foods rich in vitamin C and E are also ideal. Add fiber-rich foods to your daily diet.

Discretionary calorie intake from the food pyramid diet must be no more than 10 to 15 percent of daily calories. This includes your fat and sweets intake.

Proper nutrition and diet must be coupled with exercise in order to bring the body to its maximum state of healthy well-being. At least 30 minutes exercise a day is recommended for optimum health.