The food pyramid is a system of food that is intended to help people of all ages manage their weight and the amount of food they consume to maintain a healthy weight. Generally speaking, food is any material food consumed to supply nutrition to an organism. Food is generally of animal, plant or fungi origin, and includes vital nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, or other minerals. It is believed that the optimum diet should provide all the food an individual needs to maintain a desired body weight. Individuals need a variety of foods to ensure their bodies get all the nutrients they need, and this means that many people find it difficult to eat a well balanced diet and still keep themselves within their ideal weight.
Most people have difficulty eating a healthy, balanced diet because of the variety of foods available and the amount of money they are willing to pay for unhealthy processed foods. Processed foods are high in saturated fats that lead to high cholesterol levels and a general risk of heart disease and diabetes. Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, are found in fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, legumes, seaweeds, dairy products and whole grains. Unsaturated fats tend to increase the likelihood of heart disease and reduce the cholesterol level in the blood, while consuming unsaturated fats in moderation may be beneficial for health. Saturated fats can also raise blood pressure levels.
Eating a diet rich in natural, unprocessed foods will not only help you lose weight, but will also help you maintain good health. A diet consisting of lots of natural fibre, for example, can make it more difficult for your body to store fat. Fibre is responsible for softening food, making it easier for your digestive system to break it down. Eating foods with high amounts of fibre and avoiding highly processed grains, breads, rice, and pasta can also increase your energy levels, making it easier for you to lose weight. Eating a diet rich in nutritious, natural fibre can also make it easier for you to feel full so that you don’t overeat.