Eat Healthy, Be Active
By Katie Sharpton, MPH Family and Consumer Science/4-H Agent McKinley County Cooperative Extension Service
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provide science based advice to promote health and reduce obesity and risk for chronic diseases. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 provides advice on what to eat and drink to meet nutrient needs, promote health, and help prevent chronic disease. The two main themes of these guidelines are balancing calories to manage body weight and focusing on foods and beverages that are high in nutrients. The second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans provides science-based guidance to help people ages 3 years and older improve their health through participation in regular physical activity. These guidelines provide recommendations on the amount, types, and level of intensity of physical activity needed to achieve and maintain good health. Together, these two important publications provide 38 July 2021
guidance on the importance of being physically active and selecting nutritious foods for living a long and healthy life. To learn more about the guidelines, check out dietaryguidelines.gov Enjoy healthy food that tastes great!
u Select leaner cuts of ground beef, turkey breast or
chicken breast
u Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and
frozen meals
u Choose whole grain cereals that do not have frosting
or added sugars
u Choose water, fat-free or low-fat milk, 1oo% fruit
juice, or unsweetened tea or coffee
u Make half your plate fruit or vegetables
