  |
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
916.263.3560
commngr(###)dairycouncilofca.org
|
New Food Guide Reinforces Importance of Personalization, Physical Activity and Consumption
of Underconsumed Foods Including Low-Fat and Nonfat Dairy Products
Sacramento, CA, April 19, 2005 - The United States Department of Agriculture's
(USDA) newly revised Food Guidance System called MyPyramid was released today
to visually depict the amount of nutrient-dense foods Americans should consume on
a daily basis: 3 cups or equivalent of low-fat and nonfat milk, cheese or yogurt;
3 ounces of whole grains; 4 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables; and 5.5 ounces of lean
meat or beans. In addition to the new graphic, the Food Guidance System, "Steps
to a Healthier You," also provides interactive tools that allow consumers to personalize
the Dietary Guidelines to their individual tastes and nutritional needs.
"The new pyramid truly reflects the importance of a broad range of naturally nutrient-rich
foods, like low-fat and nonfat milk and dairy products, vegetables, fruits and whole
grains, forming the foundation of the diet," said registered dietitian Andrea Garen
with the Dairy Council of California. "It also allows people to individualize the
pyramid to meet their specific nutritional and physical activity needs."
Personalization is a key focus of the new food guide graphic. In fact the graphic
is meant to be just that, simply a graphic. USDA's website www.mypyramid.gov, allows people to personalize
the graphic to their individual caloric and physical activity requirements. The
website features 12 different pyramids to meet the specific and unique needs of
all Americans. The website also offers tips and tools on how to make the new pyramid
work for you.
MyPyramid reinforces the importance for Americans to take small steps to
reach a healthy lifestyle. From taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator
to choosing string cheese as a snack instead of chips, it is the small things that
Americans can change in their eating patterns and physical activity that can make
a difference over time. The emphasis on physical activity is now reflected directly
in the MyPyramid graphic with a picture of a person walking up a set of stairs
on the side of the three-dimensional pyramid.
The new graphic also focuses on nutrient-dense foods and encourages Americans to
consume more low-fat and nonfat dairy products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
These foods, especially low-fat and nonfat dairy products, provide a powerhouse
of nutrients including potassium, magnesium, calcium and vitamin A.
To make the new food guide and 2005 Dietary Guidelines actionable in your kitchen,
and to learn more about simple steps you and your family can take to achieve better
nutrition and physical activity, logon to www.mealsmatter.org for quick and easy meal and snack ideas.
# # #
Dairy Council of California develops nutrition education programs that are easy to
use and meet the unique needs of students at different grade levels. Making healthy
food choices from all food groups and including physical activity are the foundation
for life long health and wellness. Our programs are scientifically sound and tested
to ensure behavior change. Healthy Eating Made Easier.
* Background: The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, a committee of experts in
their fields established every five years by the USDA and HHS to review the latest
science and advise the government on revisions to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,
was tasked with using an evidence-based approach to develop recommendations to the
HHS that include foods known to reduce the nation's major diet-related health problems.
Sources:
- Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans, 2005.
- www.mypyramid.gov
Return to Press Releases
|