What are the Basic Components of a Healthy Diet?

<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

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

Related Videos
Related Articles
Ask / Related Q&A

Play

Learn about High Calorie Weight Gain Diet

Play

How to Gain Weight with a Diverse Diet

Play

Diet for Weight Loss

Play

The Healthy Weight Loss Pace

Play

Whole Foods Vs. Processed Foods on Healthy Weight

Latest Nutrition Articles
More from Lauren B. Wallace

Avail the best health supplements at affordable prices

By: John Matthews | 24/12/2009
If you are looking for solutions for building muscles in a shorter period of time, availing the supplements is the best solution. Working out alone cannot ring desirable results for the people who wish to build muscles. For more information please visit at www.stayfitnutrition.com

Are Meal Replacement Shakes Healthy?

By: Eartha Haines | 24/12/2009
Meal replacement shakes may be a good option for anyone who is trying to lose extra pounds. There are a lot of different types available and some are better than others when it comes to their ingredients. Find out what you should look for as well as my favorite brand that tastes like an actual milkshake.

What Vitamins Do I Need for No Vegetables?

By: Eartha Haines | 24/12/2009
Do you hate eating vegetables but want to be sure you get all of the vitamins you need? Find out your options for getting your daily dose of vitamins without out having to eat vegetables to do so.

TAKING VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTS TABLETS MAY PROLONG YOUR LIFE

By: william | 24/12/2009
Several recent studies, are now indicating that Vitamin D supplementation has a major role to play in preventing life threatening diseases such as cancer and heart attacks. Daily Vitamin D supplementation has also been shown to reduce the risk of dying from any disease by eight percent.

What is the Best Liquid Multi Vitamin?

By: Eartha Haines | 24/12/2009
For one reason or another, some people choose to take a liquid multi vitamin rather than swallowing pills. Regardless of your reason, you have a few options when it comes to choosing. You will also discover what my favorite liquid vitamin is and why it is gaining popularity all over the U.S.

Refined sugar

By: Alfred | 24/12/2009
Refined sugar is completely depleted of nutrients and life-force, and all that remains is pure, refined carbohydrate. The body cannot use this refined carbohydrate and it disrupts the acid balance of the blood.

Healthy diet: 4 fundamental reasons to make it a top priority

By: Chris Strogilis | 23/12/2009
We need a strong immune system and we compromise it every time we make lousy food choices.

Your last diet, Ideal Diet Orange County Weight Loss Method

By: Erik Shirley | 23/12/2009
The Knowledge to Keep Those Pounds off Forever! Ideal Diet Orange County Weight Loss Method is a medically designed protocol that results in fat loss while sparing muscle mass. The protocol was developed in France 25 years ago by Dr. Tran Tien Chanh, MD PhD, who focused his career and research on nutrition with a particular emphasis on the treatment of obesity and obesity related issues. Ideal Diet Orange County Weight Loss Method is an e...

Simple Weight Loss Strategy that Really Works

By: Lauren B. Wallace | 10/11/2009 | Women's Health
In today’s society it is very difficult to stumble upon a weight loss plan that is simple and effective. It seems that the more time you spend searching for the perfect weight loss approach, the more confused you end up becoming. That’s why, in this article, I will reveal some of the most effective and simple weight loss tips.

Achieve a leaner Body Weight Fast

By: Lauren B. Wallace | 10/11/2009 | Nutrition
Anyone who is trying to lose weight will gladly tell you just how difficult it can be to attain a slimmer physique. If there was a magical diet pill which could help us lose weight fast, millions of us would be taking it. Given that there is no such pill, in this article I will provide you with some of the most effective dietary tips ever!

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.