2005 Year in Review

New Food Guidance System Released

The new Food Guidance System for the nation was released on April 19. The purpose of the Food Guidance System is twofold. The first purpose is to replace the singular Food Guide Pyramid with individualized food guidance pyramids. The system’s second purpose is to help people carry out the dietary guidelines, or as U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns called it, “a system of information to help consumers understand how to put nutrition recommendations into action.”

Officials hope the new symbols will renew interest in healthy habits and help Americans recognize that reversing the overweight and obesity epidemic will take concerted effort and time.

“The beauty of this new guidance system is that individuals will be able to tailor their own eating by choosing a calorie and activity level,” says Robin Orr, University of Illinois Extension nutrition specialist and vice-president of the Society for Nutrition Education. “We can now personalize servings for optimal individual health.”

This new guidance system and supporting materials are conveniently located on the USDA My Pyramid website

The University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Team is ready to answer your questions and help you to work with the Food Guidance System. Look to them for new, innovative ways to make your eating healthier.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
April 28, 2005