Your food and physical activity choices each day affect your health—how you feel today, tomorrow, and in the future.  The USDA has replaced the Food Guide Pyramid introduced in 1992 with “MyPyramid, Steps to a Healthier You.” MyPyramid is part of an overall food guidance system that emphasizes the need for a more individualized approach to improving diet and lifestyle.

MyPyramid emphasizes the basics and is based on the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.  The Dietary Guidelines for Americans gives science-based advice on food and physical activity choices for health. The Dietary Guidelines describe a healthy diet as one that

• Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products;
• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and
• Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

MyPyramid still categorizes food into groups.  There are five food groups for a reason.  No single food or good group can provide the 50 plus nutrients that is needed each day.  A key component of MyPyramid is to choose foods rich in essential nutrients from all five groups.  These foods pack more essential nutrients into fewer calories.  To get the benefits of nutrient rich foods here are some helpful tips that provide the most nutrients with the least calories, solid fats, and added sugars.

• Select whole grain bread and pasta that are fiber rich.
• Pick vibrant vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, and orange peppers.
• Choose brightly colored fruits, such as blueberries, strawberries, and oranges.
• Decide on fat-free or low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt.
• Opt for lean proteins like lean beef, skinless poultry, eggs and seafood.

Keep good nutrition simple by staying within calorie limits and enjoying foods from all five groups.  Make healthy choices that fit your lifestyle so you and your family can do the things you want to do.  You will find a wealth of suggestions at www.MyPyramid.org that can help you get started toward a healthy diet.

References:  www.MyPyramid.org

Healthy Bites is provided by the Eagle County School District Wellness Committee.