The Food Tree and the New Five Food Groups


The Food Tree represents the New Five Food Groups—

Proteins, Whole Grains, Fruits, Vegetables, and Healthy Fats

I developed this holistic guide to eating through my realization that eating well and feeling your best is about a lot more than just what you put in your mouth.

Eating holistically is based on an understanding of our interconnection to the Earth, to community, and a deep awareness of what we need as unique individuals.Creating the Food Tree was based on my need to find a way to better understand my own individual nutritional needs as well as my families.

I believe that we need to relearn about our human physiology and nutrition basics, learn to empower our children to become critical thinkers, and finally how to give thanks to all the forces that make it all happen and finding gratitude in daily living.

The concept is that the child will be able to keep track and create a sense of awareness of how many portions of the different food groups he/she eats during the day and how many they may need for optimal health. The child becomes aware of his/her own unique individual needs for nourishment to feel their best and starts to develop a sense of empowerment, joy and understanding towards food, eating, and ultimately gains the knowledge of why they need to eat healthy whole foods and in what amounts.

 

Climbing the Tree

  • The Roots ~ Protein Foods 5-6 servings a day
    Beans, Meat, Fish, Dairy, Nuts and Seeds
  • The Trunk ~ Whole Grains 5-7 servings
    Wheat, barley, millet, quinoa, oats, corn, brown rice, amaranth
  • The Leaves ~ Vegetables 5 servings a day
    Crunchy, Leafy, Starchy
  • The Fruit ~ Fruit 3 servings a day
    Melons, berries, stone, tropical, deciduous, citrus
  • The Branches ~ Healthy Fats 3 servings a day
    Nuts, seeds, fish, oils, meat and dairy
  • Rainbow Foods ~ 5 servings a day
    Red, orange, yellow, green, blue/purple foods
  • Swing ~ Physical Activity
    Move and play everyday
  • Garbage can – Vampire Foods ~ chemical and artificial foods

Why use a tree as a guide for healthy holistic eating and being? Because trees are universal and archetypal symbols for Health, Longevity, Strength and Vitality.

When we see a healthy tree, we notice the strength of its trunk, the stability of its roots, the flexibility of its limbs, the beauty and grace of its leaves and the life giving force of the fruit it bears.

We revere trees because they are the longest living, tallest and heaviest living things on Earth.

We sit under trees, we hug trees, we climb trees, we swing in trees and some of us sit in trees to save them. Some people give their lives for trees. People around the world can all identify with the tree. That is why I chose The Tree as a guide that we can use. The tree can become an inspiration, a reminder of what we need to eat to thrive; she is our guide!

Follow me and as we grow Food Tree by introducing new products and curriculum for you, your family, your friends and your community. Get Climbing!!


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