The New My Pyramid

The new governmental food pyramid can be viewed at http://www.ncpad.org/newsletter/newsletter.php?letter=38§ion=530#13, with information on calorie levels, sample menus, and physical activity. My pyramid tracking information may be useful for determining nutritional levels for persons with various disabilities.

Note, however, that the new pyramid's unlabelled bands may make interpretation difficult on proportion sizes. See the new American plate at http://www.ncpad.org/newsletter/newsletter.php?letter=38§ion=530#14, for alternative ideas on determining the proportions and types of foods you eat. This site suggests a plate consisting of 2/3 (or more) vegetables, fruits, whole grains, or beans and 1/3 (or less) animal protein. Helpful guides (http://www.ncpad.org/newsletter/newsletter.php?letter=38§ion=530#14) include suggestions on how to transition traditional, high-fat American fare into healthier alternatives. Good recipe suggestions are at http://www.ncpad.org/newsletter/newsletter.php?letter=38§ion=530#14)

Please send your comments and feedback to Valerie Lawson at vlawson@uic.edu.

This fact sheet was last updated on 07-21-2006.