The Healthy Eating Pyramid

The Healthy Eating Pyramid is a simple model for consuming a diet consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines. 

Eat most

Foods at the base of the pyramid should form the basis of your diet.   These foods include vegetables, fruits, lentils, dried peas, beans, lentils, breads and cereals (preferably wholegrain).  Eating a variety of these foods should provide a healthy intake of carbohydrate, protein, vitamins and dietary fibre.

Eat Moderately

Foods in the middle section of the pyramid include meat products such as fish, lean meats, eggs, chicken (preferably without skin), and dairy products such as milk, cheese and yoghurt.  These foods should be eaten in moderation, and are a good source of protein, iron, calcium and B group vitamins.

Eat in small amounts

The foods in the top of the pyramid should be restricted because they provide many kilojoules without providing much in the way of nutrients.  Included in this group of foods is fats, oils (butter and margarine) and sugar.   

Reference

Information adapted from the "Weight for a change"  booklet produced by the Australian Nutrition Foundation (1997). 

Copies of the publication are available from Nutrition Australia in your state or from:

Nutrition Australia (Victorian Division)
Caulfield General Medical Centre,
260 Kooyong Rd,
Caulfield VIC 3162. 
Ph/Fax (03) 9528 2453
E-mail: vic@NutritionAustralia.org