Food pyramids provide tools for making healthy dietary choices. The pyramid base shows items that make up the bulk of the foods that should be eaten regularly. The pyramid tiers above the base represent foods that should be eaten less.
Many types of pyramids exist, explain the Mayo Clinic, such as Asian or Mediterranean, vegan or vegetarian, even the Atkins program. All are designed to show the most effective choices to maintain healthy eating.
Food Groups
Each section of a food pyramid lays out the foods according to groups. For example, grains, breads and cereals, or vegetables, or proteins. The Mayo Clinic points out that within each of these groups a list of acceptable foods are represented. At a glance, an individual may choose a selection and combine it with other food groupings to make a meal.
Portions
The "Journal of Nutrition" refers to these pyramids as frameworks to meet the dietary needs of most healthy individuals by featuring common foods inherent to any given population. Proper food portions from each grouping ensures adequate energy, or calories, are obtained every day. This flexibility of food choice with adequate caloric intake is crucial to healthy body weight.
Nutrition
The pyramid accounts for most foods in each group that may be consumed as snacks or meals. This ensures that a nutritious diet may be followed, notes the "Journal of Nutrition." As individuals adapt menus to their specific tastes and lifestyles from the pyramid, they can be assured that they are consuming the required nutrients for healthy living.
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