My Healthy Eating Plan

My Healthy Eat Plan

Kenneth Cameron

Sci240/Nutrition

08/08/2010
Michelle Davis

    According to US Department of Agriculture (2010), their mypyramid website suggested “Physical activity is also important for health. About 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity most days can help you manage your body weight and prevent gradual gain. About 60 to 90 minutes daily can help you maintain weight loss. If you are inactive, work up to these amounts gradually. Check with a health care provider about increasing your level of physical activity. They can help you plan a safe program. Click here for more information about physical activity for those who are very overweight.”  It is disconcerting that dangerous exercise advice with a standard “check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program” caveat is part of what the government website has to offer. My past career is in gym management and the idea of suggesting to a person termed as “very overweight” that 60 minutes of physical activity is a good idea is beyond ludicrous bordering on incompetent. This website offers an algorithm that may work for some individuals but anyone who is outside of their normal parameters is offered poor nutritional and exercise advice. It is saddening that our society feels that they can get personalized answers to real nutritional questions from an impersonal website. Whether it is this government website or, even worse, sites like e-diet.com whose goal is not the health or fitness of the user but the sale of branded merchandise to an unsuspecting visitor. These sites are the new age snake oil salesmen. The only real way to get good nutritional advice to speak with a professional about your specific circumstances and your body needs. When I input statistics from a person of my height with the perfect BMI the recommendations I received were exactly the same 8 oz. of grains, 3 cups of vegetables, 2 cups of fruits, 3 cups of milk and 6.5 oz. of meats and beans. Needless to... [continues]

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