The phrase “one size fits all” rarely applies to everyone, and this is especially true for healthy eating.
A person’s age, gender and activity level play a important roles in determining exactly what a healthy diet should look like. Since many find this information confusing, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has created a way for people to choose a healthy eating plan designed for their specific needs. This plan, called MyPyramid, emphasizes calorie and portion control, physical activity and food balance, and the best choices from all food groups to get the most nutrition out of the calories you consume.
The color coded pyramid divides food into groups. These groups are grains, vegetables, fruits, oil, milk, and meat and beans. Foods that fall into each group are identified, and tips for making healthy choices are explained. Finding variety within the different groups is also stressed to maximize nutritional benefit.
The MyPyramid healthy eating guide also stresses the importance of physical activity. There are specific guidelines for caloric needs based on a person’s activity level and information regarding how much physical activity is needed for good health, weight loss, and weight maintenance. The plan also provides examples for increasing activity while doing daily routines.
How can you make My Pyramid work for you? Visit the Web site http://www.mypyramid.gov. Follow the directions to create your individualized pyramid for healthy eating and to begin your journey to personal health improvement.
For more information, contact Lelia Smith, RN, BSN, Self Regional Coordinator of Business and Health Education, at (864) 725-4662 or lsmith2@selfregional.org
