The food pyramid recommends a diet plan for general people. By following the pictorial descriptions of each food category, one can safely get the nutritional requirements needed by the body. But the food pyramid is only meant for the fit and able persons. As we know, the individual person’s food demand varies. Hence, the existing food pyramid should be judiciously used to come with a proper diet plan that would cater to the individual need of people.
For example, the older people have a different food pyramid diet and nutritional need than others. They lead a sedentary life. So, their calorie demand is also low. Hence, a special diet plan for them can be derived upon on the basis of the food pyramid for the older adults. The main features of this food pyramid diet plan are the following:
- Whole grains and brown rice.
- Vegetables like carrot and beans.
- Both citrus and non-citrus fruits like berries, oranges, melons and apples.
- Non-fat or low fat dairy products like yogurt.
- Vegetable oil that remain in liquid form in room temperatures.
- Plenty of water.
As the above features reveal, the older people should go low on calorie-intake. Whole-grains, bright vegetables and fruits should be their staple food items in their food pyramid diet. This is especially important as they need plenty of fibers and minerals. Similarly, they should go low on oils and fats and particularly avoid the saturated fats and trans-fats. Their fat requirement should be fulfilled with fruits, vegetables and cereal.
The older adults should also consume plenty of fluid. Hence along with exercise, this forms the foundation of the food pyramid diet for older people. In order to keep the body hydrated, fruit juice is an ideal supplement, as it also ensures that a person gets needed vitamins and minerals. But along with it, adequate amount of water should also be taken.