There
are many diets available in this day and age. However, not all of them are
necessarily healthy. A majority of them restrict particular food groups,
which is certainly not healthy. People who have high blood pressure or
deficiencies are advised against the majority of these diets.A healthy
diet should incorporate a portion of each of the food groups – meats &
proteins, fats and sugars, cereals and grains, fruit and vegetables and
dairy. However, you should not eat portions of the same size for all the
food groups. It is advised that smaller portions of sugars and fats, and
dairy are consumed, as only small amounts of these are required by your
body. The portion size of each food group can be illustrated in the Food
Pyramid (see right).
 Fats and
sugars – This food group appear at the top level of the pyramid. Fats and
sugars are: Butter, margarine, oils, cream, sugar, syrups and foods
containing fats and sugars such as cakes, biscuits, crisps, sweets,
chocolate, puddings, cream, ice cream, mayonnaise and deep-fried foods. It
is recommended that you eat no more than 2 portions of fats and sugars a
day. Fats provide us with fatty acids, which contribute to our nerves
functioning correctly.
 Dairy
– Dairy products are situated in level 2 of the pyramid, alongside meats
and proteins. This food group includes milk, cheese and yoghurt. Dairy
products provide our bodies with calcium, which help our teeth and bones to
grow and stay healthy.
 Meats
and Protein – This food group is at level 2 of the pyramid, alongside dairy.
Meats and Proteins include: Red meat such as lamb, beef and pork, poultry
such as chicken and turkey, game including grouse, pheasant and duck, fish
and eggs, as well as vegetarian alternatives such as nuts, beans, peas,
lentils, tofu and other soya-based products. Protein enables the body to
repair itself, so it is vital that we consume from this food group.
 Fruit
and Vegetables – Fruit and Vegetables are located at the 3rd
level of the pyramid. This includes any fruit and vegetables, fresh, frozen
or canned. Fruit and vegetables provide us with the vitamins and minerals
that our body needs to function.
Cereals
and Grains – This food group is located at the base of the pyramid. It
includes all sorts of bread, rice, chapatis, potatoes, yam, sweet potatoes,
breakfast cereals, pasta, noodles, oats, couscous, bulgar wheat and polenta.
These are known as starchy foods. It is recommended that 50% of our daily
food intake is made up of these products, as they procide the fuel for your
body to function. |
