Most people are introduced to the food pyramid when they are in elementary school and some sooner than that. Though the exact look of it may change over time, essentially it is a diagram of the recommended serving of the five major food groups. There is a sixth group of the food pyramid, which is at the top of the pyramid but that isn’t really a food group. It just represents all artificial sugars and sweets, which is a large and ever expanding category of things you shouldn’t eat large quantities of. The other groups are, from the bottom to the top: grains; vegetables and fruits (though they have recently been separated); milk; meat and beans. Oils are another group that has been added but unlike the other groups, oils do not stand alone. Oils can be derived from grains and beans so, to an extent, they are an extension of the other two groups. But they serve a purpose and function all to themselves so in that sense they are separate. And how all of this relates to men’s health and fitness depends on your level of activity.
Active Lifestyle
For men that want to maintain an athletic physique, having a diet geared towards your specific dietary needs is essential. Protein from meat and vegetables will repair and strengthen your muscles, while grains and fruits will supply the energy that your body needs. The specific quantity of each group needed from the food pyramid depends entirely on the individual person that is on the diet. But as a general rule you want to get more plant protein then meat because it is healthier and lower in fat. Dairy products, such as yogurt, can help with digestion and boost your immune system. And, of course, you need to Exercise regularly.
Relaxed Lifestyle
This is the lifestyle of the man that exercises only for health and not for fitness. They do what is needed to keep their weight down and attempt to balance their diet across the food pyramid but are not tied to any specific routine or schedule. But they are by no means obese or out of shape. For these men the food pyramid is a guide they would follow if they had the time. But fruit and lean meat is still a necessary staple of a relaxed diet. So even for men that don’t pay attention to the food pyramid, it still has an impact on their lives.
