Chapter 7 The Foods You Eat
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Americans six years old and older to gain
health benefits by doing physical activity.
Reading
Review
1. How can you achieve and maintain a
healthy weight?
2. What is a nutrient-dense diet? Give
examples.
MyPlate
MyPlate
is the United States Department
of Agriculture’s (USDA) new food guidance
system based on the Dietary Guidelines for
Americans. It divides commonly eaten foods
into five main groups. These groups are
grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, and protein.
Oils are also included.
MyPlate helps you select the right
foods for a balanced diet. A
balanced diet
is one that provides all the
nutrients your body needs to maintain good health.
You can create a personalized food plan by going to the website
chooseMyPlate.gov. Enter your age, gender, and amount of physical activity.
To get a more accurate food plan, you can also enter your height and
weight. After entering this data, the program selects the food plan that is
right for you. Your plan will recommend daily amounts from each of the
five food groups, calories, oils, and physical activity. See 7-6. Each family
member can create a food plan. MyPlate can be used for people two years
and older. Vegetarians can also follow MyPlate.
Reading
Review
1. How can you get a more accurate food plan from MyPlate?
2. How can you make sure the nutritional needs of each family member are met?
Grains
Grains include bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. Foods in this group are
made from grains such as wheat, oats, corn, rice, and barley. These foods
are good sources of carbohydrates and the B vitamins. Protein and iron can
also be found in many grain products.
Choosing Nutrient-Dense
Foods
What kinds of foods do you often
choose when you get hungry and want
a snack? Do you choose an orange or a
chocolate chip cookie? Hopefully you will
choose the orange. The orange has lots of
vitamins and is nutrient dense. It will help
you feel full, which can satisfy your hunger
until your next meal. The cookie has much
more sugar and fewer nutrients. It probably
will not satisfy your hunger, but can often
leave you wanting more. Next time you are
choosing a snack, consider foods that are
nutrient dense such as nuts, seeds, whole
grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Health Link