Nutrition

Proper diet is the ultimate source of good health. Throughout life, it is nutrition gained through eating that builds the body up and gives it strength to repair itself. Once the diet is consumed, the body is very good at picking and choosing just the right nutrients for the different areas and systems to insure proper functioning. If the diet lacks some essential ingredient, however, the body has no way to get it.

To ensure a proper diet, nutritionists say to eat a variety of foods. The building blocks which provide the body's needs are water, vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, and fats.

The food groups that constitute the Food Guide Pyramid are (starting with the largest):

• the Bread, Cereal, Rice, and Pasta Group (6 to 11 Servings)
• the Vegetable Group (3 to 5 Servings)
• the Fruit Group (2 to 4 Servings)
• the Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese Group (2 to 3 Servings)
• the Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs, and Nuts Group (2 to 3 Servings)
• the Fats, Oils, and Sweets Group (use sparingly)

foodpyramid.com

The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) now recommends the Choose My Plate option:

Good eating habits will also help you to avoid tooth decay. Decay causing bacteria thrive on sugar, so try to stay away from sticky sweet foods that linger in your mouth and promote tooth decay.