Health and Wellness
Food Pyramid Updated
In the article, "Healthcare Beyond MS," appearing in the Winter 2005 issue of The Motivator, proper diet and good health practices were discussed. As a follow-up to this article, details from the government's new food pyramid are presented in this issue's Health & Wellness column.
Recently released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the updated pyramid has a new look and a full day's supply of important food and health information. The former "Food Guide Pyramid" has been renamed as the "MyPyramid" food guidance system.
The website, www.mypyramid.gov, shows the pyramid's new design, explains the features, and provides numerous options for determining the optimal diet plan. Website visitors are given the opportunity to get individualized diet programs by typing in their height, weight, food intake, and exercise levels.
The food groups are given according to their advised ratio in a person's diet. Grains (in orange), vegetables (in green), and milk products (in blue) are given the larger sections to denote more servings. Fruits (in red) and Meat & Beans (in dark blue) have a smaller area than the first three, to denote a smaller number of servings. Oils (in yellow) have a thin space on the pyramid, and this refers to fewer and smaller servings being recommended.
The new pyramid symbolizes a personalized approach to healthy eating and physical activity. The new graphics and slogan, "Steps to a Healthier You," represent the importance of activity, moderation, personalization, proportionality, variety, and gradual improvement. This pyramid works with the "Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005," which was highlighted in MSAA's "Healthcare Beyond MS," article mentioned earlier.
To learn about the MyPyramid food guidance system, readers may visit www.mypyramid.gov. Individuals without internet access may contact MSAA at (800) 532-7667 for assistance. Readers may also call that number to request a copy of the Winter 2005 issue of The Motivator, which is also available for viewing or downloading at www.msaa.com. As always, readers are strongly cautioned to consult their physician before making any changes to one's diet, exercise, or other health-related issue.
