Nutritionists and dieticians throughout the world have been on the lookout for the perfect diet regime. Among other requirements, this regime should be helpful in maintaining human fitness and provide for the nutritional needs of the body. Of all the ideas generated by researchers, the food pyramid is the most promising.

This brilliant idea was given by Ann-Britt Agnsater to the world when she visualized the food guide in the form of a pyramid for a co-operative test kitchen while in Sweden. It took only a short period to conquer Europe. The whole world realized the importance latter on of this simple dietary tool towards community health. It is proven to be a boon for people seeking weight loss help

Doctors and nutritionists had been searching for a simple visualization tool which will be easy to use and still provide advice on a "balanced diet". A balanced diet is one which supplies carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and roughage in the right quantities which are needed to maintain good health.

There are various versions of the food pyramid available for reference today but none of them is as popular as the version given by Department of Agriculture which is the nodal agency on food and nutrition in the Unites States. This version provides personalized dietary advices (including calorie intake) based on the body weight, sex, age and height.

The food pyramid is divided into six parts. The first part, on the bottom left, is grains. It is recommended that a person consume three ounces of grains. Grains containing fiber, or roughage, and whole grains are the recommended form of grains to be eaten. Leafy green and orange vegetables and beans are the next part. The third part is fruits with whole fruits being preferred over fruit juices.

Use of a combination of low cholesterol, polyunsaturated fatty acid containing oils is preferable for healthy life. Next preference is for milk and milk products like cheese. Lastly, rich sources of proteins such as meat and beans are preferred. To summarize, use a combination of lean meat/beans in the diet. Baking, broiling and grilling are advisable as compared to frying.

Nutritionists/dietitians strived for a perfect diet plan. Researchers tried to get to the food pyramid without success. The food guide given by Ann-Britt Agnsater of proved to be a boon for people seeking weight loss help. Doctors/nutritionists want a simple visualization to recommend "balanced diet" which supplies carbohydrates/proteins/fats/vitamins/minerals, and roughage in the right quantities. The federal government's version of the pyramid helps in dietary advice based on factors such as body weigh/gender/age/ height. It is advised that combination of lean meat/beans be included in diet, and they be baked/broiled/grilled instead of fried. Planning the components of your food will ensure you that lungs/heart/liver/ pituitary glands and hypothalamus are functioning correctly.