Here’s Why You Should Use The Food Pyramid With Your Diet

The food pyramid was created to help you get a deeper understanding of how a healthy eating lifestyle looks like. Still, for many people, it might appear to be too simplistic, which is why the food pyramid is often overlooked. We took the time to look at the benefits of the food pyramid and shared with you our insights. Let’s see why you should use the food pyramid with your diet. 

What is the food pyramid?

The food pyramid refers to a graphic representation meant to reveal the principles of proper nutrition with fruits and vegetables. The base of the food pyramid consists of a bilk of healthy fats and oils. Overall, the food pyramid offers the following insights:

- The base of the pyramid recommends between 6 to 11 servings of bread, cereal, rice, and pasta 

- The following stage of the pyramid is split between 2 to 4 servings of fruits and 3 to 5 servings of legumes

- The next stage is split between 2 to 3 servings of meat, fish, dry beans, poultry, eggs and nuts and 2 to 3 servings of cheese, yogurt, and milk

- The top of the pyramid is reserved for sparse usage of sweets, fats, and healthy oils.

What are the benefits of the food pyramid?

It aids you to adopt healthy eating habits

The main purpose and benefit of the food pyramid are that it promotes a healthy lifestyle. It can make it simpler for you to discover which is the best diet approach for you. Always remember that the food pyramid is your guide, and there are several meal plan modifications you can make depending on your health status and physical activity requirements. 

It offers you plenty of healthy food choices

if you take the time to look at the food pyramid, you will discover that you are encouraged to eat a wide array of foods. Hence, one of the main benefits of using the food pyramid is that it gives you some variety. This variety is beneficial, especially if you’re considering making a significant lifestyle change. It can make your meals more enjoyable due to the options you have.

It is simple to implement in your routine

Anyone can use the food pyramid, as it was created to be straightforward and insightful. So, all you have to do is to stick to the primary recommendations and consume a bit of each food mentioned in it.

It acts as your daily reminder

Knowing that you’re following the food pyramid can help you stick to a healthy meal plan. Experts say that placing the food pyramid on your fridge or somewhere where you can easily see it can make you more inclined to stick to your healthy meal plan. 

Variations of the food pyramid based on age

Well, you should always remember that the food pyramid can be modified based on your individual needs. This signifies that some people might need an additional intake of some of the foods mentioned in the pyramid. Overall, the food pyramid recommends:

- Eating most grains

- Eating as many vegetables and fruits as possible

- Limiting the intake of fish, egg, and meat

- Limiting the intake of fats, salt, and sugar

- Remaining hydrated at all times

Still, for older adults, it is recommended to have the following:

- Grains: 3 - 5 bowls

- Vegetables: at least 3 servings

- Fruits: at least 2 servings

- Meat, fish, egg, and alternatives: 5 - 6 taels

- Milk and alternatives: 1 - 2 servings

- Fat/oil, salt, and sugar: eat the least

- Fluid: 6 - 8 glasses

Healthy adults might find it helpful to follow the food pyramid like this:

- Grains: 3 - 8 bowls

- Vegetables: at least 3 servings

- Fruits: at least 2 servings

- Meat, fish, egg, and alternatives: 5 - 8 taels

- Milk and alternatives: 1 - 2 servings

- Fat/oil, salt, and sugar: eat the least

- Fluid: 6 - 8 glasses

The bottom line

A food pyramid is a tool you can use in your daily routine so that you achieve a healthy lifestyle. It would be best if you always kept in mind that it can be modified based on your body’s needs. Also, it might be a good idea to discuss the food pyramid with your medical practitioner. Adjusting the diet based on your health status can only benefit you. It is best to have the right amount of preferred foods within each food group. This approach can help you follow a healthy diet easily, which in turn will boost your health and wellbeing. Don’t forget that physical activity is as important as a healthy meal plan. This is the only way in which you can create a balance in your life.