What are the Basic Components of a Healthy Diet?

e.g.: diabetes, headache, Lipitor etc.

<h1>What are the Basic Components of a Healthy Diet?</h1>Author: <a title="Lauren B. Wallace" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/lauren-b.-wallace/57466.htm">Lauren B. Wallace</a> Everyone wants to eat a well balanced and nutritionally satisfying diet; however, not too many people actually know what a healthy diet should consist of.  For instance, what percentage of our daily diet should carbohydrates make up? Do we need to consume any fats? What exactly does the food pyramid represent? These are just some of the questions that many people have prior to starting a nutritionally healthy diet. When <a href="http://www.weightlossguide.com/">quick weight loss</a> or healthy nutrition is concerned, there are many rules and regulations. There are numerous foods that we should consume and certain food that we should stay clear of, that is why it is sometimes difficult for the average person to come up with the most nutritionally satisfying diet. A healthy diet should consist of 45-65% carbohydrates, 10-35% protein, and 20-35% fat (with no more than 10% saturated fat and 0% trans fat). The best way to figure out how to obtain these food groups is by taking a closer look at the food pyramid. Each section of the pyramid represents a specific food group. The base of the pyramid represents the grain group. These are better known as carbohydrate rich foods, such as bread, cereal, rice and pasta. On average, an adult should consume 6-11 servings from the grain group every day. The next part of the food pyramid represents fruit and vegetables. Our daily intake should consist of 3-5 servings of vegetables and 2-4 servings of fruit. This particular section of the pyramid is especially important for those of us who are trying to <a href="http://www.weightdepot.com/">lose weight</a> and increase our intake of vitamins, minerals and fiber. The third tier represents protein, such as dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. 2-3 servings should come from the milk group and 2-3 servings from meat, eggs, or beans. And last but certainly not least is the top level of the pyramid which is comprised of fats, oils, and sweets. This particular food group should be consumed sparingly. These are just a few basic components of a healthy diet. About the Author: Lauren B. Wallace writes health articles about fitness and nutrition. 
Some of her favorite passions include studying the medicinal benefits of herbal remedies for <a href="http://www.strictlyhealth.com/rhodiola_rosea.php">antidepressants</a>, 
<a href="http://www.weightlossguide.com/diet-pills-meltrx.html">diet pills</a>, and <a href="http://www.hoodia-dietpills.com/hoodia_gordonii.htm">hoodia gordonii</a>.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/what-are-the-basic-components-of-a-healthy-diet-645950.html" title="What are the Basic Components of a Healthy Diet?">What are the Basic Components of a Healthy Diet?</a>

Everyone wants to eat a well balanced and nutritionally satisfying diet; however, not too many people actually know what a healthy diet should consist of. For instance, what percentage of our daily diet should carbohydrates make up? Do we need to consume any fats? What exactly does the food pyramid represent? These are just some of the questions that many people have prior to starting a nutritionally healthy diet.

When quick weight loss or healthy nutrition is concerned, there are many rules and regulations. There are numerous foods that we should consume and certain food that we should stay clear of, that is why it is sometimes difficult for the average person to come up with the most nutritionally satisfying diet. A healthy diet should consist of 45-65% carbohydrates, 10-35% protein, and 20-35% fat (with no more than 10% saturated fat and 0% trans fat). The best way to figure out how to obtain these food groups is by taking a closer look at the food pyramid. Each section of the pyramid represents a specific food group. The base of the pyramid represents the grain group. These are better known as carbohydrate rich foods, such as bread, cereal, rice and pasta. On average, an adult should consume 6-11 servings from the grain group every day.

The next part of the food pyramid represents fruit and vegetables. Our daily intake should consist of 3-5 servings of vegetables and 2-4 servings of fruit. This particular section of the pyramid is especially important for those of us who are trying to lose weight and increase our intake of vitamins, minerals and fiber. The third tier represents protein, such as dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. 2-3 servings should come from the milk group and 2-3 servings from meat, eggs, or beans. And last but certainly not least is the top level of the pyramid which is comprised of fats, oils, and sweets. This particular food group should be consumed sparingly. These are just a few basic components of a healthy diet.

Lauren B. Wallace writes health articles about fitness and nutrition.
Some of her favorite passions include studying the medicinal benefits of herbal remedies for antidepressants,
diet pills, and hoodia gordonii.

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Related Articles
Related Q&A

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nutrition-articles/what-are-the-basic-components-of-a-healthy-diet-645950.html

Article Tags: Weight Loss, Lose Weight, Healthy Diet, Healthy Nutrition, Quick Weight Loss, Balanced Diet

Latest Nutrition Articles
More from Lauren B. Wallace

Fat Burning Diet - Fat Burning Foods To Add To Your Diet

By: Josee Bedard | 06/07/2009
When you're considering taking on a fat burning diet, then you should be conscious of the different foods that would assist you here. Adding such foods to your diet would incorporate heavy changes in your metabolism.

The Food Pyramid Of Supplements

By: pooh | 06/07/2009
The Food Pyramid

Sugar and What It Does To Your Body

By: Jason Yun | 06/07/2009
Columbus Personal Trainer tells you why sugar is an enemy in the war on obesity, and your best bet is too stay away from it before it kills you and makes you fat.

Acai Berry - The Basics

By: Joseph Long | 05/07/2009
Acai berry is considered “Superfood” because of its natural ingredients and various health benefits. While this amazing fruit has been in the market for quite some time now, many people are just hearing about it for the first time. If you want to know what the acai berry is all about, continue reading.

Vigorously Living

By: Sachindra | 05/07/2009
A balanced diet comprising of healthy and diverse foods is key to promoting good health. Good nutrition requires a balance of food, minerals and vitamins, (from eating healthy diet) and physical activity.

Flush Out Body Detox Plan

By: Ben Xenoo | 04/07/2009
The flush out body detox plan is for those who don’t want to simply detox on water or fruit juice alone. The plan is for 48 hours only and is designed for those who perhaps have never experience and form of detox plan before. Let’s first look at foods that you should not eat during the 48 hour detox.

Lemon Detox Diet Recipe

By: Ben Xenoo | 04/07/2009
The lemon detox diet involves taking a lemon drink several times a day and abstaining from other drinks and foods of any kind. This does to say the least worry me! Imagine someone who has a heavy junk food diet and probably a high caffeine intake going “cold turkey” by taking up the lemon detox diet for several days.

Home Detox Recipes

By: Ben Xenoo | 04/07/2009
A home detox recipe is something that anybody can make and should try. Detoxification is the process of removing toxins from the body. I will state though that there is no evidence that this actually happens during detoxifying. The body is able to flush toxins from the body naturally but many do believe that drinking specified drinks such as water and fruit juices and specified foods does help the body flush toxins.

Weight Management: a High Protein Diet

By: Lauren B. Wallace | 27/01/2009 | Wellness
Weight Management: a High Protein Diet

Benefits of Exercising With Your Kids

By: Lauren B. Wallace | 05/12/2008 | Fitness
A lot of parents would love to begin a workout regimen; however, their busy schedules often stop them from committing to routine physical activity. Regular physical activity is very beneficial for both the parent and the child. The parent will experience a reduction in stress levels, an improvement in mood, and an increase in energy. As a result, he/she will be able to complete the daily tasks with more ease and focus.

Why Should I Add Flaxseed to My Diet?

By: Lauren B. Wallace | 05/12/2008 | Supplements & Vitamins
A lot of people have heard about flaxseed before, but how many of us actually know what health benefits this particular compound offers? One of the most important things to remember is that flaxseed is an excellent source of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), which is a member of the omega 3 class of fatty acids.

Why Invest the Time in Weight Loss?

By: Lauren B. Wallace | 05/12/2008 | Weight Loss
With about sixty percent of Americans being classified as obese or overweight, a healthy lifestyle is important to our generation. When we are overweight, we endanger ourselves with a wide array of illnesses and discomfort. It is a well known fact that anyone who is overweight has a higher chance of developing cancer, diabetes and heart disease. That is why it is important to invest the time and effort into improving our way of life.

Ways to Reduce Food Cravings

By: Lauren B. Wallace | 01/12/2008 | Nutrition
Have you ever experienced uncontrollable food cravings? If you are like millions of other people, chances have it that you experience these urgencies from time to time. It is extremely natural to have food cravings; however, the foods which our bodies often desire pose quite a danger to our weight. That is why it is important to control these urges and minimize our intake of various junk foods.

2 Major Reasons for Weight Gain

By: Lauren B. Wallace | 01/12/2008 | Weight Loss
If you eat a well balanced healthy diet and you exercise regularly, you expect to be thin and healthy, right? Well, that is not always the case. There are several other elements in your life which influence weight gain. We are all aware of certain demons which are responsible for weight gain, such as: fried foods, calorie laden desserts and sugar loaded sodas; however, not all of us are familiar with other major factors which negatively influence our ability to lose weight.

Foods That Help You Feel Energized

By: Lauren B. Wallace | 01/12/2008 | Nutrition
Do you ever find yourself reaching for that third cup of coffee or that sugar loaded candy bar? A lot of people turn to these caffeine and sugar laden products in order to gain that always needed burst of energy. However, what many of us don’t know is that we are loading our bodies with unnatural sugars which will only make us crash an hour later. Truth being told, there are many foods at our local grocery store which can increase our energy without the sugary crash and unwanted calories.

Exercise: Health Benefits of Walking

By: Lauren B. Wallace | 01/12/2008 | Fitness
Some people spend hours upon hours at the gym every day in an effort to maintain a healthy physique and a healthy lifestyle while others shy away from physical activity altogether. However, regular exercise is beneficial for each and every person. No matter how old you are, absolutely everyone can benefit from incorporating some type of fitness into their life. For those of us who are just getting started on a fitness regimen, walking may be the best choice.