I would like for you to join me in challenging an untrue belief that I am sure like me you all grew hearing was true. The information featured in the traditional USDA food pyramid – the model widely disseminated in the last few decades – is archaic and unwise. Anchored by carbohydrates (with a recommendation of 6-11 servings), the pyramid also advises two to three servings of meat and dairy – in essence, it is a diagram on how to clog your system. Even the most recent revised version, which features several improvements, fails to address the faults of an animal-based diet.
The ideal food pyramid I would like to highlight emphasizes a plant-based diet, particularly water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables. These cleansing foods should constitute the majority of your diet. Here’s what the ideal food pyramid should look like:
70% Live Foods – Making up a combination between 80% vegetables (Asparagus, broccoli, carrots, spinach, green bell peppers, celery, cucumber, lettuce, sprouts, wheatgrass, & fresh herbs) and 20% fruit (Ideally non-acid producing low-sugar fruits such as avocados, lemons, limes, tomatoes, & grapefruits). Vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and fiber. If the body is balances, fruit is a great live food – in moderation which should only be ate on an empty stomach.
10% Vegetable and Fish Proteins – Making up a combination of nuts, seeds, and legumes (Almonds, brazil nuts, hazel nuts, lentils, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, & sunflower seeds) and ideally deep sea fish such as salmon, tuna, halibut, ahi, swordfish, & snapper. Proteins support tissue building.
10% Complex Carbohydrates – Making up a combination of ideally non-stored whole grains such as basmati and jasmine rice, buckwheat, quinoa, millet, spelt, kamut, non-yeast breads & needles. Grains provide fiber, which decreases toxicity.
10% Oils – Olive, flaxseed, Omega 3 & 6, Udo’s oil, avocado (do not heat cold pressed oils). Good fats neutralize acids that damage cell membranes, disburse saturated fats in the blood. Proteins support tissue building.
The ideal food pyramid is a tool to help create a base for healthier living, however, if you are looking to lose weight in both a quick transformation and long term sustainable lifestyle diet then please visit Strip That Fat.