MyPyramid Review

What You Should Know

Reaching a healthier weight is a balancing act. The secret is learning how to balance your energy in with your energy out over the long run. Energy in is the calories from the foods and beverages you have each day. Energy out is the calories you burn for basic body functions and physical activity.

MyPyramid.gov is an online dietary and physical activity assessment tool that provides information on your diet quality, physical activity status, related nutrition messages, and links to nutrient and physical activity information. The Food Calories/Energy Balance feature automatically calculates your energy balance by subtracting the energy you expend from physical activity from your food calories/energy intake. Use of this tool helps you to understand your energy balance status and enhances the link between good nutrition and regular physical activity. Keep track of your energy balance history and view it up to one year. The concern is that the MyPyramid.gov plan is not for everyone, specifically those with chronic health problems. In addition, it can be a daunting task for some individuals to keep a daily food and physical activity diary.

Ingredients

The food recommendations in the MyPyramid.gov plan include grains, vegetables, fruits, fat free or low fat dairy products, meat and beans.

Product Features

MyPyramid.gov is a website developed by the United States Department of Agriculture to improve the nutrition and well-being of Americans. The website focuses its efforts primarily on the guidance and promotion of dietary guidance for all Americans. The website also provides links to other tips and resources for food and nutrition information, how to locate farmers markets in your state, how to read food labels, food and nutrition food programs, food safety information and physical activity.

Advantages

• MyPyramid.gov was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture.
• Interactive tool automatically calculates your energy balance by subtracting the energy you expend from physical activity from you food calories/energy intake.

Disadvantages

• Requires that participants keep a daily record of food intake and physical activity.
• Not recommended for those with chronic health problems.
• Requires users to participate in daily physical activity.

Conclusion

Reaching and maintaining a healthier weight is important for overall health and well being. If you are significantly overweight you are at risk of developing many diseases including high blood pressure, Type 2 Diabetes, stroke and some forms of cancer.

For obese adults, even losing a small amount of weight or preventing gaining additional weight can produce health benefits. The recommendations in the dietary guidelines found on MyPyramid.gov are for the general public over the age of two years. The MyPyramid.gov plan is not recommended for those with chronic health problems. The MyPyramid.gov plan requires that users keep a daily food and physical activity diary.