Ever since its release in 1992, the USDA Food Pyramid has been a guide for the American diet. The pyramid was divided into six horizontal sections which featured foods from each section's food group. It was updated in 2005, with colorful vertical wedges replacing the horizontal sections, and the silhouette of a person climbing a staircase added on the side to represent exercise. It was even renamed as MyPyramid.
The USDA's pyramid was actually quite controversial. Some point out that it makes little sense that the U.S. Department of Agriculture, whose responsibilities include developing and executing U.S. federal government policy
Hiding Vegetables
by Louise May 10th, 2011 | Children's Health, Diet, Nutrition, Vitamins
I love vegetables. Of course, I know that's not the case for everyone. For some reason, there are people who grow up hating vegetables. Personally, I think there was a rotten vegetable they had as a child that made them think all vegetables were bad. How can you not like carrots or bell peppers? Okay, I know that sounds crazy to some people. The reality is that most people would choose a slice of bread or a piece of fruit over a stalk of broccoli or head of cabbage. Yet, vegetables are an
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Looking at Labels: Knowing What to Avoid
by Louise March 14th, 2011 | Diet, Nutrition
The FDA wants consumers to feel confident about buying all products that are available on the market. Products containing preservatives, color additives, sweeteners, flavors enhancers, and the like are all analyzed by the FDA. The FDA looks at the composition and properties of the substance, the amount that would typically be consumed, immediate and long-term health effects, and various safety factors. In the end, all of the food that you see lining the shelves of a typical supermarket has been deemed "safe." Yet there's a crucial difference between "safe" and "healthy."
It's tempting to let price dictate what
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It's tempting to let price dictate what
Tweens, Teens, and Calcium
by Editorial Team December 10th, 2010 | Children's Health
If you watch most classic '50s television shows, you might notice the beverage all family members drink at dinner- milk. While many families still encourage milk as the beverage of choice with younger children, it tends to be a beverage that's popularity fades with time. While it's not scientific data, most of the families with teens and tweens that I know aren't consuming milk with dinner, and probably not any other meals either. While they may choose healthy alternatives, such as water, they are reducing their intake of calcium. So, what's a parent to do?
First, arm yourself with data.Â
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First, arm yourself with data.Â
Athletes & Protein
by MPK November 26th, 2010 | Nutrition
While we are told to eat a balanced diet, one might ponder what makes a diet balanced. Especially in times when carbohydrates are declared bad and proteins are favored, one needs to know how much protein is needed. For athletes who are burning more calories, protein intake is especially crucial.
The general recommendation for protein is that 10-35 percent of one's caloric intake should consist of protein, according to the Mayo Clinic. Of course, with a range that broad it can be difficult to determine exactly how much each athlete needs.
Speaking with Shara Aaron, a registered dietitian and certified fitness
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The general recommendation for protein is that 10-35 percent of one's caloric intake should consist of protein, according to the Mayo Clinic. Of course, with a range that broad it can be difficult to determine exactly how much each athlete needs.
Speaking with Shara Aaron, a registered dietitian and certified fitness