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June 2006

 


The Pyramid

People always ask me about good websites to go to for sound nutrition information (besides mine of course)

There are many good ones but this month I'm focusing on the site about the new Pyramid.
the last one definitely had its shortcomings.....not specific enough in portions and could be high in processed foods.
This one is much better.

Check it out:

www.MyPyramid.gov

(notice the GOV ending)


Featured on this official USDA government site is information on its models geared to different people, online tools, and dietary guidelines. It also describes the portions for grains, veggies, fruits, milk, meat and beans, oils, discretionary calorie, and physical activity.


You can also plug your stats in and get an estimate of how many of all these servings would make a healthy diet for you.

Enjoy!


The Pyramid for Kids

www.MyPyramid.gov

People always ask me about good websites to go to for sound nutrition information (besides mine of course). There are many good ones but this time I'm focusing on the site about the new Pyramid. The last one definitely had its shortcomings.....not specific enough in portions and could be high in processed foods. This one is much better. It's www.MyPyramid.gov (notice the GOV ending). The one geared for kids age 6-11 is www.MyPyrmaid.gov/kids

Featured on this official USDA government site is information on its models geared to different people, online tools, and the dietary guidelines. It also describes the portions for grains, veggies, fruits, milk, meat and beans, oils, discretionary calories (fat and sugar), and physical activity. You can also plug in your age, exercise minutes per day, and male/female stats and get an estimate of how many calories you should have and how many of servings of each food group would make a healthy diet for you. I also like how they give recommendations on how many different color veggies to have per week ie, green, orange.

I pretended I was a 15 year old who was active 60 minutes a day and it told me to have 2400 calories. 8 oz grains, 3 cups veggies, 2 cups fruit, 6.5 oz meat/beans, 3 cups milk, and 7 tsp of oil or sugar equaling no more than 360 calories. Personally I'd switch out the milk for more meat/beans, and use less of the "extra calories" for something else. At least it gives you a start if you can't get your own personal assessment by an RD done.

One last note, they have a way where you can track your food and exercise and for kids (geared for 6-11 years old) have a game called MyPyramid Blast Off Game which is an interactive computer game where kids can reach Planet Power by fueling their rocket with food and physical activity. Very cute.

 

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