Eat Healthfully Your Way

August 10, 2007

The new MyPyramid guidelines symbolize a one-size-doesn’t-fit-all-approach to healthful eating and physical activity.

MyPyramid is designed to be a personal guide to developing a healthful eating and physical activity plan that is best for you. MyPyramid encourages you to:

• Be active. The person climbing up the steps reminds you to be physically active every day.
• Vary your choices. The six different colored bands stand for the five food groups plus an area for oils. This reminds you that foods from all groups are needed each day for good health.
• Think in proportions. The food-group bands differ in width, reminding you to eat more of some types of foods than others. These widths are just estimates, not exactly the amount that’s right for you. You’re unique and your eating plan is, too.
• Make moderation your mind-set. And your everyday eating habit, too. The wider base of each band stands for foods with little or no solid fats or added sugars that you should eat more often. The narrower tops stand for foods with more added sugars and solid fats.
• Customize. You have options for healthful eating and active living. Visit www.MyPyramid.gov to choose what foods and what amounts are right for you.
• Improve gradually. Take small steps to improve your diet and lifestyle. 

A registered dietitian can help you adapt MyPyramid to your own personal needs. Visit the Find a Nutrition Professional page to locate a registered dietitian in your area.

Produced by ADA’s Public Relations Team