A proper ranking of the food groups
From a young age, kids are taught that a balanced diet will lead to a healthy life. There are usually food charts hung up in classrooms and multiple elementary school lessons that focus on the five major accepted food groups: dairy, fruits, grains, proteins, and vegetables. There is no doubt that they play an important role in one’s overall health, but the ranking of them is always overlooked. It only feels right to provide an in-depth placement of each group, along with reasoning for these hard-hitting decisions. In this edition of The Lamron, the aforementioned food groups will be ranked from worst to best.
5. Vegetables
Vegetables are likely the healthiest of the groups, but this does not change that they belong at the bottom of the list. This is not to say that there are no good vegetables, as corn provides a sweet crunch to many dishes. On the flip side, every kid’s worst nightmare also looms amongst the greens. Broccoli is an unnerving food that closely resembles a tree, making it simply unappealing for many people—alongside the vegetable’s distinct fragrance. The overhyping of other vegetables, specifically kale, has cemented the vegetables in the fifth spot on this list. Kale, which came out of nowhere in the diet-culture popularity of the 2010s, tastes like dirt but somehow has an even less appealing texture than actual soil.
4. Dairy
Dairy was very close to being at the bottom of this ranking. Frankly, only two things saved this largely pitiful group: versatility and ice cream. The versatility of dairy is impossible to overlook since eggs and milk make an appearance in many recipes, as well as in this category. Sadly, all but one dairy item can fly solo, and that would be the frozen delicacy known as ice cream. There are countless flavors, many of which include an added texture, like chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, fruit chunks, or cookie dough. Unfortunately, dairy products are simply not good enough to fulfill someone’s stomach or nutritional needs for a given day. A bowl of ice cream, a glass of milk, and a few slices of cheese will do nothing except perhaps trigger the gag reflex of a consumer.
3. Proteins
Proteins are sadly stuck at third, but that is through no fault of their own. Proteins are extremely energizing and can be prepared in countless ways, all of which prove to be delicious. Many people only count meat in this category, but the overlooked beans and nuts really pull this group together. Meats tend to be the star of most meals, be it an early-afternoon sandwich or an evening steak. Along with this, snacking is a necessity for those with an active lifestyle looking to keep energy up until that next meal. For protein-packed snacks one could look for any combination of nuts, beef jerky, or dried chickpeas. I will concede, though, that none of those options are very budget-friendly. Regardless of price, protein is too tasty and filling to be any lower than third.
2. Fruits
Fruits have landed themselves in second place but made a valiant run for the top spot. Not only are there countless options, but nearly all of them are scrumptious. Ranging from the basic apple to the unique jackfruit, fruits come in many shapes and sizes. Not only are they a healthy snack and often easily on-the-go, but they can also work as a dessert or a gift. Fruit baskets are not only common, but they are a top-tier gift in my opinion. It is hard to fathom somebody being disappointed with the visually and mouth-wateringly satisfying gift of sweet oranges or perfectly ripe grapes.
1. Grains
Then, it seems as though grains have claimed the top spot with what I would claim are several secret weapons. One of those being that simple, staple foods, such as rice and oats, fall under the grains category and are sources of substantial nutrients. Other common foods such as bread or crackers are not only tasty on their own but also provide a perfect vehicle for the other food groups. A sandwich without bread is nothing more than a slimy slab of ham on a plate. Bagels, pancakes, and waffles may be the unsung heroes here, though, as they sweep the breakfast competition on their own. Ramen noodles are another captain on this team, providing millions of college students with cheap and easy meals. While they rely heavily on the flavor packet which typically comes from the protein group, without the grain, ramen noodles would be nothing more than yellow powder sitting in a bowl of hot water.
A balanced diet is surely a necessity for a healthy life, but enjoyment is also important. It would be wrong to pretend that all food groups are equal—or provide nothing more than nutrients. For many, including myself, eating can be a magical, relaxing, and emotionally transformative experience that should be headlined by scrumptious options.