The United States Department of Agriculture developed a program called MyPyramid, which is designed to encourage a healthy diet balanced with physical activity. The pyramid encompasses all foods, but indicates that some foods offer healthier choices, such as choosing a fresh, whole apple over apple pie. Following the guide will help your aim for proper nutritional intake, a vital component to overall health, as well as energy level and weight control, explains MayoClinic.com. You can use this food pyramid to help create a healthy diet for you and your family.
Step 1
Choose a variety of items from each section of the pyramid each day. Select foods from each food category. Focus on vegetables and whole grains, with servings of fruits, dairy and lean proteins each day, says the United States Department of Agriculture. Use a small amount of healthy oils, such as olive oil or the oils found in almonds and other nuts.
Step 2
Select the healthiest options within each category. Making these choices will help you have a healthier diet, as exemplified by choosing a fresh apple over the apple pie. You should choose a variety of the whole foods in each category, and avoid processed foods. Eating low calorie dense foods will also help curb hunger, helping you reduce caloric intake. Fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains as well as many fruits and vegetables, will make you feel full for longer periods of time since these high fiber foods take longer to digest, explains MayoClinic.com. Choose low calorie, dense vegetables, such as broccoli and asparagus, and select whole grain foods, such as brown rice.
Step 3
Add physical activity each day. A hiker stands next to the food pyramid in order to express the need for exercise and physical activity. An active lifestyle will help you reach a healthy weight, and will also help reduce the risk of many serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes, explains the United States Department of Agriculture. If you have not led an active lifestyle, start slow. Begin with light activities, which may include walking after dinner or playing catch with your child. You should aim for at least 30 minutes of activity each day, gradually increasing the intensity of your workout.
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