Nutrition on its own simply refers to the consumption of food and how that determines growth in our body.  It is specifically concerned with the progression by which food that we eat becomes a part of us. Much of what we eat is ground up and disposed of. But the nutrients and chemicals that these foods contain are taken in by our bodies and cycled through us. What we eat, not supplemental pills or chemicals, is the best way to control our internal physical makeup and overall physical health. The way we talk about nutrition in everyday life isn’t quite as scientific. We use nutrition mostly in a positive sense, mainly to mean how the foods we are eating benefit us. Vegetables are nutritious because of the high nutritional value for example. 
 
There are five major food groups: starch foods, vegetables, fruit, dairy, and meat. Starch foods include bread, pasta, rice, cereal and other grain based foods. The USDA recommends 6-11 servings of this group per day.  A serving is a small amount of food, and the actual measured amount changes with each food group. For starch, one slice of bread or half a cup of cooked pasta or rice would count as one serving. Vegetables are the second most important food group, according to the USDA, and they recommend 3-5 servings per day.  Fruit comes next, and 2-4 servings are the recommended amount.  Dairy, which includes cheese, milk, and yogurt, is also important, and it is suggested that you consume 2-3 servings per day.  Meat, which includes all animal meat and eggs, is also suggested at 2-3 servings per day. The top of the pyramid contains fats, oils and sweets, which are not included as a food group. It is recommended that these be used very sparingly. This guide that the USDA uses has become widely accepted as the most nutritious and healthiest diet. The USDA includes all types of foods in its guideline, and concerns itself with minimizing the intake of fat, calories, and sodium.  It is important to realize, however, that calories are necessary for our bodies to get the energy we need to function everyday. The USDA also discourages any children who are not fully developed and finished growing from going on any specific diets, or using too many supplements.  As a child, it is more important than ever to get the full RDA (recommended daily allowance) of all nutrients.

The Food pyramid is simply a guideline and nothing more. There are many ways to maintain a healthy diet without following the guideline provided by the USDA. However, as a teenager, be sure that you are getting all the nutrients you need whenever you change your eating habits.  Following a healthy eating plan doesn’t mean giving up foods like pizza or ice cream, but it’s a good idea to be aware of the nutrients, fat and sugar contents of whatever foods you are eating. Being nutritious just means that you are aware of what’s going in your body, and you are getting all the nutrients your body requires. Everyone loves to indulge in junk food every now and then, and as long as you have a healthy diet, that’s fine.