My Pyramid To Health And Fitness

* MyPyramid make a distinction between 'grains' and 'whole grains', which is critical for life-long health and fitness.

* Rather than just suggesting we 'eat fruits and vegetables' (which may prompt some to drink fruit juice and think they're being healthy!), MyPyramid encourages the consumption of a broad range of fresh fruits and vegetable

Remember the old Food Pyramid that we were all taught in school? You know, the one that told us to eat more 'grains and carbohydrates' than either else? Last January the U.S. Department of corn god issued a new symbol and interactive food guidance system "MyPyramid". This picture, which replaces the Food Guide Pyramid introduced in 1992, is part of an overall system that emphasizes the need for a more individualized similitude to improving diet and lifestyle. The system embodies the recommendations of the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which give the facts how proper dietary habits can promote health and reduce the risk of major inveterate diseases for people two years of age and older.

True fitness experts are not huge fans of 'one size fits all' nutritional programs. As a matter of fact, the reasons most diets fail is that they try to fit you (an individual!) into a program designed for EVERYONE. Honestly, did we ever trust that one dietary recommendation (the old Food Guide Pyramid) was valid for everyone in the USA?

This strong malice to the 'one size fits all' dietary guideline is exactly why we like the new MyPyramid so much! Take for example this quote copied directly from the MyPyramid website: "One size doesn't fit all. MyPyramid Plan can help you elect the foods and amounts that are right for you. For a quick estimate of what and how much you need to eat, enter your age, sex, and pose level in the MyPyramid Plan box. For a detailed judgement of your food intake and physical principle level, pass on MyPyramid Tracker" (source: mypyramid.gov).

-> WHAT WE LIKE hereabouts THE NEW GUIDELINES:

The United States Department of Ceres (USDA) has done a fine job of updating the Food Guide Pyramid and footing specifics that we find helpful. For example:

* MyPyramid make a distinction midst 'grains' and 'whole grains', which is critical for life-long health and fitness.

* Rather than just suggesting we 'eat fruits and vegetables' (which may prompt some to drink fruit juice and think they're actuality healthy!), MyPyramid encourages the consumption of a uncouth range of fresh fruits and vegetables while at the same time discouraging fruit juices (which are often lacking in nutrition and full of empty calories).

* MyPyramid suggests that we consume low-fat dairy products, rather than just dairy products. Some milk, and most cheeses, are FULL of saturated fat and may be harmful. The new recommendations take this into publicity and prompt us to look for healthy dairy choices.

* Just like it does with the dairy category, MyPyramid tells us to search out low-fat protein choices like fish and nuts. The new guidelines even teach us involving healthy oils vs. harmful fats!

* Finally, and most importantly, MyPyramid veritably discusses exercise! FINALLY! The guidelines demonstrate the difference betwixt and between moderate and vigorous activity, and provide floozy recommendations targeted towards the bourgeois American.

-> WHAT WE DON'T LIKE involving THE NEW GUIDELINES:

* The MyPyramid website (mypyramid.gov) has a section named 'My Pyramid Plan' that estimates BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate). In other words, this site estimates how many calories we should consume each day. The problem is that they (the USDA) use only our age, sex and physical enthusiasm level to determine our heating goal. No mention is made of height differences or the budget of lean muscle mass we have on our frame. Lean muscle mass is a HUGE factor in determining fever needs, so we were disappointed to see that it's not included in these calculations. uncouth generalizations like this fail to take into note individual differences, and thus are well-nigh regularly sure to be inaccurate for many of us.

* The 'Physical Activity' section of MyPyramid fails miserably in that it doesn't provide the exercise education we need in order to be successful. No mention is made of the differences among aerobic and anaerobic exercise, or the role of resistance exercise in a healthy lifestyle.

While the new USDA guidelines are just so MUCH rebuilt than the old Food Guide Pyramid, we were still discouraged to see that MyPyramid does not fully modus vivendi exercise. Until we as a nation understand the pure and simple facts fast by exercise, we will continue to struggle with fat and weight issues.

Take the time to visit mypyramid.gov and head over heels for a while. It's worth a look!

* Copyright 2005 Pick Up The Pace. Permission is not required for the distribution of Pick Up The Pace articles as long as they are used in their entirety, are properly credited to Pick Up The Pace, and are accompanied by our website link: www.letspickupthepace.com.

* The information in this tax and on this site is for general reference purposes only and not intended to give a talk specific medical conditions. This information is not a substitute for professional medical news service or a medical exam. Prior to participating in any exercise program or activity, you should seek the recommendation of your physician or other qualified health professional. No information in this unit or on www.letspickupthepace.com should be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.