Low-Carb Diets and the Food Pyramid

You’ve seen the traditional food pyramid. It is based on USDA's research on what foods Americans eat, what nutrients are in these foods, and how to make the best food choices to promote good health. The pyramid calls for eating a variety of foods to get the nutrients you need, and, at the same time, the right amount of calories to maintain a healthy weight. It also focuses on fat because most American diets are too high in fat, especially saturated fat.

In recent years, they government has rolled out the “My Pyramid Guide,” the same pyramid turned on its side. It recommends low fat and fat-free dairy items. It does make an attempt to make adjustments for different ages, and differentiates between refined and whole grains, but it is still a starch and carbohydrate based food plan.

But what if you want to eat a low-carb diet? What resources can you use? Some researchers have unveiled a modified low-carb food pyramid.

The guidelines:

The main part of your food should come from proteins such as meat, seafood, and eggs. And, good sources of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like olive oil, canola oil, nuts, and avocados.

Next, eat phytonutrient rich leafy green and brightly colored vegetables like tomatoes, romaine lettuce, artichokes, eggplant, broccoli, green beans and more

Supplement with delicious cheeses, nuts, seeds, butter, and low glycemic fruits VERY rarely eat bread, potatoes, pasta, sweets, rice, and high sugar fruits like bananas, pineapples or oranges.

 

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