This tool is being introduced to further help people incorporate the new Dietary Guidelines that were introduced in January of this year.

The new pyramid is divided into several distinct food categories,
including: Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Milk, Meats & Beans, and Oils.

Although it has the same basic shape there are some important differences.

Instead of food groups being stacked on top of one another they are now running vertical and are color coded in specific size ratios to represent the amounts to eat.

For example the grains group still takes up the most space with the narrowest belonging to fats oils and sugars.

A new look added to this pyramid is the stick figure walking up the left side of the pyramid to match the guide’s slogan: “Steps to a healthier you” recognizing that exercise is a key component of health.

Sample the Pyramid Online
The best way to experience this product is to go online and “try it on for size.”
Here you can plug in your personal information and it will give you
personal recommendations and information about your nutrition and exercise needs.

This site is very interactive.

You can enter your intake for the day and it will compare this to your needs by specific nutrients or by food group.

You can track your intake over time or just look at one food item.

Accessing the pyramid online
You can access the new food pyramid website by visiting the home page of the Roseau Area Hospital and Homes website: www.rahhinc.com
It’s really quite fun seeing how the pyramid works for you.

Carletta Rhen-Mlodzik is Director of Support Services at Roseau Area Hospital
and Homes Inc. To learn more about good nutrition, contact her at (218)
463-2500.