Monday, June 28, 2010

Choose The Right Food To Eat







Eating foods from the food pyramid has been the focus of the nutritional advice given by medical professionals, health specialists and parents for generations. The food pyramid consists of breads, cereal and rice; fruits and vegetables; milk, yogurt and cheese; and meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs and nuts.


Instructions


1. Get the proper servings. It is recommended that an individual eats the following daily servings from the main food pyramid groups to get the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy body: six to 11 servings of breads, three to five servings of fruits and vegetables, two to four servings of dairy and two to three servings of meat, fish or poultry. Note that the serving quantity depends on the age and activity level of the person.








2. Use substitutes. If meats are not a part of an individual's diet, try alternatives to get the same amount of nutrients. Beans, nuts and fish can all be used as a substitute for meats. These foods provide a great source of protein.


3. Drink milk. Milk is high in calcium. Calcium-enriched foods are yogurt and cheese. Calcium intake is important for healthy teeth and strong bones. A 400-500 mg daily intake of calcium is recommended.


4. Eat or drink Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps to promote a healthy immune system and tissue. Most fruits and vegetables can supply great sources of vitamin C.


5. Take vitamins. Sometimes it is difficult to get the correct amount of nutrients into the system on a daily basis. A multiple vitamin can supply nutrients that are missing from a daily diet. Vitamins come in tablet or capsules. They can be purchased in the vegetarian form for people that either do not eat meat or limit their meat intake.

Tags: food pyramid, fruits vegetables, amount nutrients, yogurt cheese