The Fitness Food Pyramid

The food pyramid is a tool used by many fitness enthusiast to develop their daily diet whilst training.

The pyramid is split into 7 catogories. Fruits, vedgatables, carbohydrates, calcium, protein, fats and junk food. The foods at the bottom of the pyramid should make up the majority of your diet whilst foods at the top of the pyramid should be eaten occasionally.

Fruit and vegetables - 5-9 portions

Full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants  vital for overall health and peak performance

Potatoes and grains - 4-6 portions

Foods such as bread, cereals, rice, pasta, oats, beans, lentils and potatoes are essential for fuelling the body for daily activities and hard training. 

Calcium rich foods - 2-4 portions

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, nuts, pulses and tinned fish provide enough calcium for strong and healthy bones.

Healthy fats - 1-2 portions

Oils, nuts, seeds and oily fish contain healthy fats needed to improve endurance, aid recovery and protect you against heart disease. Omega 3-6 capsules are great for ensuring you get those healty fats whilst dieting and training hard at the gym.

Discretionary calories are the calories you have left once you have eaten recommended allowances from each food group. This may be around 200-300 calories for most exercisers. So as long as you stay within you daily calories limit you can enjoy foods such as biscuits, crisps, cakes and chocolate. 

So for fitness fanatics aiming to improve theor general health and fitness. Try to include a variety of foods from each group into your diet and aim for the recommended portions for optimal health.