Click on each category below for more information
The University of Michigan Integrative
Medicine’s Healing Foods
Pyramid was conceived by Monica
Myklebust, MD, and Jenna Wunder,
MPH, RD, in their passion for food
in all of its beauty, variety,
and healing benefits. The foods
we choose to eat are essential
to how we care for ourselves. In
choosing the healing foods on this
pyramid, each one of us contributes
to our own health.
We emphasize:
- Healing Foods
- Only foods known
to have healing benefits
or essential nutrients are
included
- Plant-based
choices
- Plant foods create the
base and may be accented
by animal foods
- Variety & balance
- Balance
and variety of color, nutrients,
and portion size celebrate
abundance
- Support of a healthful
environment
- Our food, and we
in turn, reflect the health
of our earth
- Mindful eating
- Truly savor, enjoy and
focus on what you are eating
The pyramid shape was chosen
due to its general familiarity.
However, with the complexity
of nutrition choices and concepts
today, no two-dimensional model
can fully convey all considerations.
The categories and their placement
on the pyramid generally support
our intent, which is to emphasize
the foundational role of Water,
followed by the importance of
a rainbow of Fruits
and Vegetables.
Grains emphasize
whole grains and includes some
starchy vegetables that act like
grains in the body.
Legumes are
excellent sources of non-animal
protein in this plant-based pyramid.
Healthy
Fats emphasizes
monounsaturated oils and nuts. Eggs offer
high quality protein and Dairy includes foods low in fat yet
rich in calcium. Lean
Meats complement
other foods rather than playing
the starring role. In Fish & Seafood,
fish high in omega-3 fatty acids
is emphasized. Seasonings include
herbs, onions, garlic, pepper,
salt and others that add flavor
while contributing healing benefits.
Dark
Chocolate is a source of
antioxidants and Alcohol, when
used in moderation, has health
benefits. Use of alcohol is to
be guided by consideration of
one’s personal health. Tea is recommended as a healthful
beverage choice.
At the top of the pyramid is
a personal space purposely left
open. It is to be filled by you.
What will make this Healing Foods
Pyramid complete for you?
Facts About documents offer details
of the recommendations. With
the ever-changing ideas and research
findings of food and nutrition,
this Healing Foods Pyramid will
be a continuous and dynamic work
in progress.
For printable
image of Healing
Foods Pyramid (pdf)
Download the Pyramid to your computer with this zip file
Email us your comments or questions about the Pyramid
University of
Michigan Integrative Medicine Clinical
Services
© 2004 Regents of the University
of Michigan
Monica Myklebust, MD and Jenna
Wunder, MPH, RD
For questions and licensing information
please email us at above link |
