We are taught since grade school that a balanced diet consists of those found in the food pyramid. The pyramid itself outlines the ideal amounts of certain foods belonging to each group and serves as a foundation in order for us to attain optimum health.
Today’s food pyramid, though, consists of a wider range of options than the traditional carbohydrates, dairy, meat, fruits and vegetables. It encompasses whole grains, seeds and nuts, legumes, meat, fish, including plant oils like virgin coconut oil or olive oil. If you are to consider religious, ethnic, cultural and personal preference then you’ll find more options to incorporate in planning for healthy meals and snacks.
Surprisingly, there is no one ideal food pyramid given the above consideration. For example, the food groups in a vegetarian diet’s pyramid are obviously different from that of an ordinary food pyramid.
More so, other cultures have their own pyramids such as the Asian Diet Pyramid, the Latin American Diet Pyramid, Mediterranean Diet Pyramid, and so on. The food pyramids from these cultures also largely depend on what foods are available in their respective regions.
The food pyramid is shaped like it is for a purpose. Those at the base of the pyramid is the food group that you need to eat the most and gradually narrowing up to the top are the foods that you should eat in smaller amounts. As mentioned, our body needs certain levels of vitamins, minerals, and calories to function well and reach longevity.
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