The food pyramid
The food pyramid is a devised food guideline that was drawn up by the FDA in the early 1990s to provide people with a basic nutritional guide with regards to what they should eat. This was in response to burgeoning obesity levels among the US population and reports which showed that people were not eating as healthily as they should. There are 6 food groups within the pyramid, each with diminishing space on the pyramid, indicating the quantity people should be eating for them.
The bottom of the food pyramid is made up of the grains and cereals group, as it is believed this group provides energy in the form of complex carbohydrates. Just above this group is the fruit and vegetables group, which should be consumed in large quantities as well. All foods play their part in the well being and proper functioning of the body, and this food pyramid is intended to be just a rough guide.
The amount of calories needed per day also is determined to a large extent by the type of foods we eat, because the body breaks them down differently. That is why grains which provide complex carbohydrates are regarded as much better calorie sources, rather than fats or oils.
