Subtitle: Principles of Good Nutrition
Good nutrition is essential for maintaining overall health and wellness. Eating a balanced diet that includes all the major food groups can help provide the nutrients the body needs to function properly. The three main principles of good nutrition are the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the MyPlate icon, and the Food Pyramid.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are the official dietary recommendations of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The guidelines are updated every 5 years based on the latest scientific research. The guidelines are used to promote health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The guidelines recommend that individuals eat a variety of foods from all the major food groups, limit saturated fat and trans fat, reduce added sugars, and limit sodium.
MyPlate Icon
The MyPlate icon is a visual representation of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The icon is divided into five sections: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. The sections are color-coded and sized according to the recommended servings of each food group. The MyPlate icon is used to help individuals understand what a balanced diet looks like.
Food Pyramid
The Food Pyramid is an older version of the MyPlate icon. The pyramid is divided into six sections: grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, oils, and proteins. Each section is color-coded and sized according to the recommended servings of each food group. The Food Pyramid is used to help individuals understand what a balanced diet looks like.