WIN Wyoming

Thought Bullets
for
July 2000

The fifth edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans was recently released. The new guidelines emphasize physical activity as important for healthy living. The complete guidelines and accompanying text can be downloaded from the Internet at http://www.usda.gov/cnpp. 

Here are a few quotes from the new guidelines that align with WIN Wyoming principles:

• The text for the guidelines begins with this statement, "Eating is one of life’s great pleasures."
  
  
• There are many foods and many ways to build a healthy diet and lifestyle. There is lots of room for choices.
  
  
• Not all adults who have a body mass index (BMI) in the range labeled "healthy" are at the most healthy weight. A BMI above the healthy range is less healthy for most people, but it may be fine if you have lots of muscle and little fat.
  
  
• Our genes affect our tendency to gain weight. A tendency to gain weight is increased when food is plentiful and when we use equipment and vehicles to save time and energy.
  
  
• Whatever food you choose to eat, eat a sensible portion size. If eating out, choose smaller portion sizes or share an entree with a friend. Many items sold as single portions actually provide 2 servings or more.
  
  
• Adults need moderate physical activity for a total of at least 30 minutes most days of the week, preferably daily. Children need at least 60 minutes per day. A moderate physical activity is any activity that requires about as much energy as walking 2 miles in 30 minutes.
  
  
• Some people prefer physical activities that fit into their daily routine (gardening, walking to work, taking the stairs instead of an elevator). Others prefer a regular exercise program (walking, swimming, weights). Some do both. The important thing is to be physical active every day.
  
  

Source: Nutrition and Your Health: Dietary Guidelines for Americans. 5^th ed. Washington, DC: US Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services; 2000. Home and Garden Bulletin No. 232.

Compiled by Betty Holmes, MS, RD

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