Super-Foods List and Protein   

by JE Sudds

Super-Foods List & Protein is about healthier eating; this is one of the most important nutrients. Of course, all nutrients are crucial for our bodies to be as healthy as possible, but without protein in our diets every single day, our bodies can not maintain and build muscle. Protein can be found in a number of food sources, so if you're interested in eating a healthier diet, you should consider learning more about protein.

We need to eat foods rich in protein every day because, unlike some other nutrients, it cannot be stored in the body. That means that if you eat more protein than necessary, your body will simply cause it to pass through your system. Because it cannot be stored in the body, problems may arise surrounding this nutrient as well. If you don't get enough on any given day, your body has no back-up plan for producing it or using reserved from previous days. Therefore, it is very important to consider when you are planning your meals and add this on your because it is powerful muscle builder.

Essentially, protein builds muscles, which is why you will see bodybuilders especially concerned with protein. When you lift weights to work out, you body makes tiny tears in the muscles. This Super-foods is what is used to repair these healthy tears in the body, building the muscle slightly bigger with every workout. Even if you do not work out, your body's muscle deteriorates, as you body needs the energy. Muscle provides energy, just like fat. Having protein in the body helps you to rebuild any muscle lost.

Protein also helps a person's body in other ways, mainly with the maintenance of hormones. Hormones in the body do a number of things, such as regulate organ function, account for stimulation, create metabolism, and affect mood. This super-food are used in the making of some of these different hormones, so if you go more than a day or two without eating foods rich in proteins, your entire body will suffer.

How can you make sure that you re getting enough proteins? Simply put, look for foods with protein as a key component on the label. Your super-foods list may include chicken, lean beef, lean pork, eggs, and fish, although vegetarians can also get proteins into their diets by eating nuts, beans, soy products, and a variety of other foods. You should have some of these super-foods in your diet every single day to ensure that you are providing your body with the proteins it needs to stay healthy.

http://goarticles.com/article/Super-Foods-List-and-Protein/6845095/

Understanding the Vegetarian Food Pyramid   

by Sylvia J Patterso

For people who are just starting out on the path to becoming a vegetarian, getting the right mix of nutrients can be quite a challenge. That is why the Oldways Preservation Trust created the Vegetarian Food Pyramid in 1997, which was presented at the International Conference on Vegetarian Diets in Austin, Texas, that same year. The vegetarian pyramid provides an excellent guideline to help people make the right food choices in order to eat a healthy, balanced vegetarian diet. Below are a few tips on understanding the Vegetarian Food Pyramid to help new vegetarians ensure they are getting all the essential nutrients their bodies need to stay healthy and active.

Fruits and Veggies

Just like with the non-vegetarian food pyramid, the foundation of the vegetarian diet and the base of the vegetarian food pyramid is fruits and vegetables. Aim for 7-10 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day to ensure your body is getting a good mix of nutrients.

Whole Grains

Whole grains make up the next rung on the food pyramid for vegetarians. Whole grains may include rice, barley, millet, oats, quinoa, breads, cereals, and pasta. You should try to eat 5-8 servings of healthy whole grains every day.

Beans, Peas, Lentils & Soy

The next level of the pyramid includes beans, peas, lentils and soy-based products. Shoot for 3-6 servings of these high-protein and high-iron legumes each day.

Nuts, Seeds & Nut Butters

The next food group on the vegetarian pyramid consists of nuts, peanuts, seeds, and peanut/nut butters. It is recommended that vegetarians consume 1-3 servings of these healthy foods every day.
Herbs, Spices and Plant Oils
According to the pyramid, vegetarians may consume as many fresh or dried herbs and spices as they'd like, but should limit plant-sourced oils to up to 5 teaspoons per day.

Eggs and/or Dairy

The very top level of the pyramid only applies to certain vegetarians. Some vegetarians are lacto-vegetarians, meaning they eat dairy products. Others are ovo-vegetarians, meaning they eat eggs. Still others are lacto-ovo vegetarians, which means they eat both. These types of vegetarians should limit their egg intake to 4-6 per week and their dairy intake to 1-3 servings per day. For vegans, this top triangle of the pyramid should be omitted altogether.

There you have it - a guide to getting the right mix of nutrients when consuming a vegetarian diet. Preparing healthy vegetarian meals using the guidelines above should ensure that the vegetarian foods you're eating are balanced and nutritious. For a wide selection of delicious vegetarian food options when dining out, simply stop by your local Pita Jungle, a vegetarian restaurant with locations throughout Arizona and Southern California, today. Come discover €The Art of Eating Healthy®€!

http://goarticles.com/article/Understanding-the-Vegetarian-Food-Pyramid/8883518/