March 2008 Health Focus
National Nutrition Month
MyPyramid.gov
Steps to a Healthier You

National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month is an annual nutrition education and information campaign created by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign is designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating habits. MyPyramid food patterns are designed for the general public ages 2 and over. They are not therapeutic diets for specific health conditions. If you have a chronic health condition, you should consult with a healthcare provider to find a dietary plan that is right for you.

The MyPyramid symbol is color coded and represents the recommended proportion of foods from each food group and focuses on the importance of making smart food choices in every food group everyday. Physical activity is a new implement in the symbol. If you want to know how much of each food you need daily, go to www.MyPyramid.gov and click on 'MyPyramid Plan' to customize your individual food guide.

  1. GRAINS - Make half your grains whole.
    • Eat at least 3 ounces of whole grain bread, cereal, crackers, rice, or pasta everyday.
    • Look for 'whole' before the grain name on the list of ingredients.
  2. VEGETABLES - Vary your veggies.
    • Eat more dark green veggies.
    • Eat more orange veggies.
    • Eat more dry beans and peas.
  3. FRUITS - Focus on fruits.
    • Eat a variety of fruit.
    • Choose fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruit.
    • Go easy on fruit juice.
  1. OILS - Know your fats.
    • Make most of your fats sources from fish, nuts & vegetable oils.
    • Limit solid fats like butter, margarine, shortening & lard.
  2. MILK - Get your calcium-rich foods.
    • Go low-fat or fat free.
    • If you don't or can't consume milk, choose lactose-free products or other calcium sources.
  3. Meats & Beans - Go lean on protein.
    • Choose low-fat/lean meats & poultry.
    • Bake it, broil it, or grill it.
    • Vary your choices with more fish, beans, peas, nuts & seeds.