Whenever we talk about diet, there are numerous things that
come to mind. There are mainly two meanings of the word
diet. They both relate to food. First one can be defined
as food that we take into our body. For example, eating a
well-balanced diet. Another one can be defined as losing
weight.

A balanced diet contains proper portions of five basic food
groups. To ensure optimum health and a balanced diet, it is
essential to have a proper portion of each group, each day.
The amount of food needed gets smaller as we move up the
"pyramid". Bread, rice, cereal and pasta are in the bottom
group. 6 to 11 servings every day from this group are
needed.

After that, on the pyramid is the vegetable group. Nearly
everyone requires 3 to 5 servings from this group daily. The
vegetable group gives you vitamins and minerals such as
vitamin A and C, as per required. After that, is the fruit
group. We need about 2 to 4 servings of this group per day.
Fruits give you vitamin C, fiber, carbohydrates and more.

Next is the milk, yogurt and cheese group. People need 2 to
3 servings of this group per day. This group gives you
calcium and protein. Drinking milk and eating cheese and/or
yogurt is a great way to get your daily allowance.

Meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs and nuts is the last
group. We do not need much of this group everyday but this
group is very important. 2 to 3 servings per day are
required.

In addition to the food pyramid, it was discovered by
doctors and scientist that fats, sweets and oils are an
important ingredient of a healthy diet. This is mentioned
although it is separate from the pyramid. The food we
eat normally contains the required fats so we need not
add additional fatty or sweet food. This food can be
delicious but we always try to avoid an excess of this
type of fatty or sweet food.

If you are referring to a weight-loss diet, you are talking
about changing or restricting your diet somehow to reduce
calories, fat or other to lose weight. No diet should be
used without talking to your doctor first. There are many
diets on the market and medications to help people diet. The
problem with dieting when not under a doctor~s care is that
you may be loosing nutrients your body needs to stay
healthy. You may be trying to lose weight because you are
overweight or obese, but can be doing more harm by
restricting vitamins and minerals that your body needs.

Remember, if you are in doubt as to what your body needs,
please consult your doctor.

Marcelle Ventura is the webmaster of

FINA Diet - Understanding Diet, Made Easy , a wonderful health resource.



About the Author
Marcelle Ventura is the webmaster of

FINA Diet - Understanding Diet Made Easy