One size doesn't fit all
USDA's new MyPyramid symbolizes a personalized approach to healthy eating and physical activity. The symbol has been designed to be simple. It has been developed to remind consumers to make healthy food choices and to be active every day. The different parts of the symbol are described below.
Activity Activity is represented by the steps and the person climbing them, as a reminder of the importance of daily physical activity.
Proportionality Proportionality is shown by the different widths of the food group bands. The widths suggest how much food a person should choose from each group. The widths are just a general guide, not exact proportions. Check the Web site for how much is right for you.
Moderation Moderation is represented by the narrowing of each food group from bottom to top. The wider base stands for foods with little or no solid fats or added sugars. These should be selected more often. The narrower top area stands for foods containing more added sugars and solid fats. The more active you are, the more these foods can fit into you diet.
Variety Variety is symbolized by the six color bands representing the five food groups of the pyramid. This illistruates that foods from all groups are needed each day for good health.
Personalization Personalization is shown by the person on the steps, the slogan, and the URL. Find the kinds and amounts of food to eat each day at MYPyramid.gov.
Gradual Improvement Gradual Improvement is encouraged by the slogan. It suggests that individuals can benefit from taking small steps to improve their diet and lifestyle each day.
Grains
Vegetables
Fruits
Milk
Meat & Beans
Eat at least 3 oz. of whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta every day.
1 oz is about 1 slice of bread, 1 cup of breakfast cereal, or 1/2 cup cooked rice, cereal, or pasta.
Eat more dark-green veggies like broccoli, spinach, and other dark leafy greens.
Eat more orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.
Eat more dry beans and peas like pinto beans, kidney beans, and lentils.
Eat a variety of fruit.
Choose fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruit.
Go easy on fruit juices.
Go Low-fat or fat-free when you choose milk, yogurt, and other milk products.
If you don't or can't consume milk, choose lactose-free products or other calcium sources such as fortified foods and beverages.
Choose low-fat or lean meats and poultry.
Bake it, broil it, or grill it.
Vary your protein routine - choose more fish, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds.
For a 2,000-calorie diet, you need the amounts below from each food group. To find the amounts that are right for you, go to MyPyramid.gov.
6 oz. a day
2½ cups a day
2 cups a day
3 cups a day
5½ oz. a day
Find your balance between food and physical activity.
Be sure to stay within your daily calorie needs.
Be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
About 60 minutes a day of physical activity may be needed to prevent weight gain.
Children and teenagers should be physically active for 60 minutes most days.
For sustaining weight loss, at least 60 to 90 minutes a day of physical activity may be required.
Know the limits on fats, sugars, and salt (sodium).
Make most of your fat sources from fish, nuts, and vegetable oils.
Limit solid fats like butter, margarine, shortening, lard, and foods that contain these.
Check the Nutrition Facts label to keep saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium low.
Choose food and beverages low in added sugars. Added sugars contribute calories with few, if any, nutrients.
*Menu is subject to change
*Menu will change with "Special Event".
Click on the "Special Event" tab above to veiw upcoming events.
