It's Never Too Late for Good Nutrition!

March 24, 2011

March may be nearly over, but it's still National Nutrition Month.  The theme "Eat Right with Color" encourages consumers to remember to include a colorful variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy on their plates every day.

"One of the ways to incorporate color into your healthful eating plan is to include the colors of MyPyramid," says registered dietitian and American Dietetic Association Spokesperson Melinda Johnson. "Developed by the United States Department of Agriculture, MyPyramid is part of an overall food guidance system that emphasizes the need for an individual approach to improving diet and lifestyle."

Grains (Orange)
It is important to make at least half of your daily grains whole grains. Try to get at least three 1-ounce servings of whole grains every day.

Vegetables (Green)
Vegetables are a great source of vitamins and other nutrients, which is why it is recommended.

Fruits (Red)
Fruit not only makes for a great snack, but it can also satisfy a sweet-tooth craving. And because of its versatility, getting the recommended 2 cups every day can be easy.

Oils (Yellow)
Used in cooking and baking as well as for flavor, oils are fats that are liquid at room temperature. There are a variety of oils that come from many different plants. Common types include: canola, corn, olive, peanut, safflower, soybean, sunflower, walnut, and sesame oils.

Milk (Blue)
We need calcium for bone health, and many dairy foods also are good sources of protein, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin D. Milk isn't your only source of calcium-rich, low-fat dairy foods though. You have lots of options.
 
Meat and Beans (Purple)
This is the protein group and includes a wide variety of foods, including those made from meat, poultry, fish, dry beans or peas, eggs, nuts and seeds.

Angela H.
Excelsior Springs Branch