"That's the most exciting part: some people can't afford to go to a registered dietician. So this is free to the whole public and it's going to make a difference," Mercer says.
The new pyramid features:
Calorie Counting
Moderation is the key to any dietary plan, so the pyramid still emphasizes the importance of keeping track of the number of calories you consume; the colored segments of the pyramid taper towards the top, suggesting that you eat food that is high in sugar and fats in moderation. However, it now emphasizes the consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains as low-calorie, nutrient rich foods.
To help with portion moderation, the vague term "serving size" from the old pyramid has been replaced with the actual weights and amounts that comprise one serving size, such as one slice of bread or half a cup of rice. Helpful tips are provided to keep the calorie count down, like making at least half of the grains you eat whole grains, keeping your protein consumption limited to lean meats and non-meat sources and varying the types of fruit you eat to keep it interesting.
Exercise
For the first time, the food pyramid incorporates exercise into the formula for a healthy life. Depicted as a person climbing up the side of the pyramid, exercise has been known for years to help weight loss and, simply, overall health. Tips are listed to get you moving as much as possible. And the amount of your activity will affect what, and how much, you can eat.
