(Stillwater)--- USDA released its new food guidance system based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, ÒMyPyramid: Steps to A Healthier You.Ó
The major themes of MyPryamid are:
- One size
doesnÕt fit all
- Activity
- Moderation
- Personalization
- Proportionality
- Variety
- Gradual
Improvement
One size doesn't fit all: USDA's new MyPyramid symbolizes a personalized
approach to healthy eating and physical activity. The symbol has been designed
to be simple. It has been developed to remind consumers to make healthy food
choices and to be active every day. The different parts of the symbol are
described below.
Activity: Activity is represented by the steps and the person climbing them,
as a reminder of the importance of daily physical activity.
Moderation: Moderation is represented by the narrowing of each food group from
bottom to top. The wider base stands for foods with little or no solid fats or added
sugars. These should be selected more often. The narrower top area stands for
foods containing more added sugars and solid fats. The more active you are, the
more of these foods fit into your diet.
Personalization: Personalization is shown by the person on the steps, the slogan,
and the URL. To find the kinds of amounts of food to eat each day the fits you
go to www.MyPyramid.gov .
Proportionality: Proportionality is shown by the different widths of the food group
bands. The widths suggest how much food a person should choose from each group.
The widths are just a general guide, not exact proportions. Check the Web site
for how much is right for you.
Variety: Variety
is symbolized by the 6 color bands representing the 5 food groups of the
Pyramid and oils. This illustrates that foods from all groups are needed each
day for good health.
Gradual Improvement: Gradual improvement is encouraged by the slogan. It suggests that
individuals can benefit from taking small steps to improve their diet and
lifestyle each day.
Prepared by: Janice R. Hermann,
Ph.D.
Nutrition Ed. Specialist
333 HES/NSCI
Cooperative Ext. Service
-FCS
Stillwater, OK 74078-6111
(405) 744-6824 voice