Losing weight with the food pyramid diet plan

Overall, a healthy diet plan is one that includes a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy and protein. Many of us grew up hearing of the basic four food groups. We learned about a diet plan pyramid with whole grains occupying the large bottom section, fruits and veggies in the next, meat and dairy in the next and fats and sugars in the smallest. The visual was great and the concept simple; of course, time quickly told us that no diet plan is simple.

Today, it is better understood that no diet plan is one size fits all, and everyone needs a somewhat different mix of foods to stay healthy. The new pyramid, which can be viewed at the MyPyramid government site, has five food groups, though it is similar to the same four groups from the 50s-70s, with fruits, veggies, milk and meat all broken out individually, and fats removed completely. The message, though, is the same that it has been for generations, that a healthy diet plan is one that includes a mixture of foods. This modern pyramid  is divided vertically, with every group having the same size section. The modern five groups are: fruit, vegetables, grains, milk, meat and beans.

Fruit

Adding a variety of fruits is a healthful addition to any diet plan. Fruits of varied colors offer different nutrients. It is important to remember that fruit juice is not the best way to get one’s fruit, as it contains more sugar and less fiber than the fruit itself.

Vegetables

With vegetables, the juice is often nearly as healthful as the fruit itself and thus 100 percent veggie juice is a good choice. For many, the new blends of fruit and veggie juice can be a good way to get in some vegetables as well. As with fruit, choosing various colors of vegetables is important – dark leafy greens and orange/yellow veggies can be particularly good additions to any diet plan.

Grains

Whole grains are full of fiber, which aids digestion and keeps the arteries clean. The less processed the grain, the more healthful it is. When adding grains to a diet plan look for the term “whole grain”. Oatmeal and cold cereal, as well as whole grain bread, are good ways to get grains in a diet plan.

Milk

Milk and dairy products are a great way to get calcium that is needed for many system in the body, not just bones. Choose low fat or fat free varieties as part of a healthy diet plan.

Meat and Beans
Low fat and lean meats, as well as beans, are important protein sources for building and maintaining muscle, as well as other functions in the body. Fish is also a good protein source which can also provide essential oils that health brain functioning and blood flow.