June 2, 2005
Get the Most out of the New Food Pyramid Web Site
by Eat Right Montana
In April, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its new food
guidance system. Designed to update the familiar Food Guide Pyramid and
to mirror the 2005 dietary guidelines for Americans, the MyPyramid.gov W
eb site offers Montanans a new tool for making healthier choices .
"The new pyramid is based on the latest scientific research," according to Katie Bark, a registered dietitian with Montana Team Nutrition. "The easy-to-navigate, interactive site is packed with tips for making smarter food choices - like ways to pump up nutrient intake with whole grains and low-fat milk products. Exploring the new pyramid's treasures can help you take simple steps to better health."
MyPyramid.gov offers nutrition and fitness advice with a simple click of the computer mouse . Bark suggested three steps for getting the most out of the USDA Pyramid Web site:
- Get the power of your own personal pyramid: The new USDA food guide recognizes that one eating plan doesn't fit everyone. Just enter your age, gender, and normal activity level, and MyPyramid.gov gives you a quick estimate of your daily need for calories and food servings.
- Compare your current eating pattern to your pyramid: Research shows that keeping a daily food diary is an effective way to change your eating habits and manage your weight. MyPyramid.gov makes it easy with a printable worksheet based on your personal pyramid.
- Focus on nutrient-rich foods in sensible portions: Virtually all Americans need to get more nutrition for their calories. This means enjoying more naturally nutrient-rich whole foods - like whole grains, lean meats, low-fat milk products, fruits, and veggies - in sensible portion sizes.
Eat Right Montana, a statewide coalition promoting healthful eating and active lifestyles, urges Montanans to use MyPyramid.gov as a tool for healthier habits . One of the most useful features of the new Web site is the Food Gallery - photos of real foods in sensible portions - found at " Inside the Pyramid ."
"Like the 2005 Dietary Guidelines, MyPyramid.gov emphasizes the connection between eating right and being active ," Bark said. "Montana summers are the perfect time to get out and get moving. Biking, hiking, or paddling - we have spectacular settings for fitness right at our doorsteps."
Biking for Fitness: 3 Steps for Success
- Get all your equipment in gear. Biking is more fun and much safer if you have the right equipment in good condition. Make sure your tires have plenty of air and your gears and brakes are working smoothly. That way, you'll be ready to ride at a moment's notice.
A properly fitting helmet is as important as the right-sized bicycle. Check with your local bike shop or sports store to be certain that your helmet will actually protect your head in an accident. Check out the seat options, too; there's no need for a painful ride.
- Check out safe and scenic biking routes. Many communities actively encourage biking for pleasure, fitness, and regular commuting. Check with your local parks or recreation department for maps of the best local bike routes. Bike shops and cycling clubs are also good sources of information.
The Internet is one of the quickest ways to find out about biking options near you. Trying a search for "bike routes in ( your town )" or visit sites like www.pedaling.com and www.bikeleague.org , which maintain national databases of routes and rides.
- Put your foot to the pedal for 15-30 minutes a day. The key to fitness is getting up and getting moving for at least 30 minutes a day. Start with a short evening ride around the neighborhood and build up to longer weekend rides as you build your endurance.
A combination of indoor and outdoor biking is also a good way to build your skills and endurance. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day on a stationary bike during your busy workdays; then head out into the sunshine for 60 to 90 minutes on the weekend.
(Eat Right Montana is a coalition promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles. Sponsors are the American Heart Association, Montana Beef Council, Montana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Dietetic Association, MSU Extension Service, Montana Office of Public Instruction, Montana Team Nutrition Program, and Western Dairy Council. For more information, visit www.montanadieteticassociation.org .)
Page last updated: 06/15/2006
