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Interactive Food Pyramid
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has developed a system called MyPyramid: Steps to a Healthier You. It guides healthful eating and active living. The system gives the amounts and types of foods that we need daily from the five food groups. It also has categories for oils, discretionary calories and physical activity. The food pyramid below emphasizes portion sizes and healthy eating from each food group. The amounts posted from the grain, fruit, vegetable, meat and milk groups are based on a 2,000 calorie-a-day diet.
Move the cursor over the pyramid to see each food group. Click on the food group for recommendations and portion sizes.
To find the amounts that are right for you or from each food group, go to MyPyramid.gov.
Discretionary calories
- Limit added fats, sugars and alcohols.
- Use sparingly.
- 1 Tablespoon of butter = 102 calories
- Chocolate candy bar= 240 calories
- 12 oz. of soda = 143 calories
- 12 oz. of beer = 145 calories
- Include at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity in your day. Children should include at least 60 minutes daily.
- Some examples of moderate activities are: walking briskly (3 ½ mph), golfing without a cart and bicycling (less than 10 mph).
- Some examples of vigorous activities are: running/jogging (5mph), swimming freestyle laps, and bicycling (more than 10 mph).
- More examples of physical activities can be found at MyPyramid.gov. To find the amounts that are right for you or from each food group, go to MyPyramid.gov.
Sources: www.mypyramid.gov, www.fns.usda.gov, www.mealsmatter.org, www.cancer.org, www.cdc.gov
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