Over the years, several nutritionists and dietitians have strived to come up with the perfect diet plan: one simple formula that will meet all the needs of the complex human body, incorporate fitness - all of these things. Researchers have come up with many proposals, but none even come close to matching the food pyramid.
This brilliant idea was given by Ann-Britt Agnsater to the world when she visualized the food guide in the form of a pyramid for a co-operative test kitchen while in Sweden. It took only a short period to conquer Europe. The whole world realized the importance latter on of this simple dietary tool towards community health. It is proven to be a boon for people seeking weight loss help
In order to provide advice on a "balanced diet" nutritionists and doctors have been looking for easy visualization tools which will be simple to use. In order for a diet to be called balanced it needs to supply carbohydrates, proteins, fats, roughage. It also needs the right quantities of vitamins and minerals.
The Department of Agriculture is the nodal agency on food and nutrition in the Unites States. The food pyramid version given by this nodal agency is most popular reference today than any other versions. The food pyramid version of US Agriculture department includes personalized dietary advices with quantities of calories taken based on weight, sex, age and height of a human.
Oils are next. A combination of low cholesterol, polyunsaturated fatty acid containing oils to be used is suggested. Milk and milk products like cheese follow next. Meat and beans which are rich sources of proteins occupy the last section. It is recommended that a combination of lean meat and beans be included in diet, and they be baked, broiled or grilled rather than frying.
Oils make up the next category. When choosing oils, look for low cholesterol oils that contain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Milk products are next, including dairy products such as cheese. The final division contains meat and beans, two good sources of protein. For this category, lean meats and beans are best. These should be prepared baked, broiled, or grilled - not fried.
