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Food Pyramid and Diabetes

Published:
6-July-2005

The old Food Pyramid that we grew up with is no longer the standard used by the USDA. The new Dietary Guidelines take into account the latest understanding of nutrition. The research that defines the "new" Food Pyramid tells us that each individual must base their nutritional needs on age and activity level. The MyPyramid.gov website will help you determine the nutritional needs for you and your family. You can develop an even more specific plan that takes into account gender as well as age and activity level if you wish.

The recommendations of the "new" Food Pyramid call for variety - choosing foods from all groups, proportionality - choose more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products and less high fat foods, added sugar, cholesterol, salt, and alcohol, moderation - eating foods that contain less saturated fats, and/or trans fats, and again limiting added sugar, salt and alcohol, and finally Activity - we should all include some physical activity every day.

You can also find additional information for keeping your family's eating habits healthy at Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005