Warren County Guide to Physical Activity

The New Food Guide Pyramid

 In 2005 the USDA introduced My Pyramid. The basic guidelines include whole grains, vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and beans. Also included is information about fats, sugars and sodium and the importance of physical activity.  Recommended amounts of each food group are shown in cups or ounces per day.

The six main messages in My Pyramid are activity, variety, proportion, moderation, personalization and gradual improvement.  The stairs and the person climbing them represent activity. It is important to be physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.  Variety is depicted in the color bands of the different food groups. Foods from all groups are needed every day.  Proportion is illustrated by the different widths of the food group bands. The wider the band, the greater proportion of your diet should come from that food group.

 The bands are wider at the bottom to represent foods with less fat and added sugar.  The bands are narrower at the top to symbolize foods containing more added sugars and fat.  Moderation should be taken with foods that fit in the top of the pyramid.  Personalization is shown by the person

 on the steps, the name, and the tagline all mean you can make this plan one that works for YOU. 

 Small changes add up to gradual improvement.  Find your balance between food and physical activity.

More information can be found at www.mypyramid.gov.