If making diet resolutions is part of your approach to the New Year, why not focus on healthy eating habits this time rather than losing weight or some “fad diet”. The USDA has developed a new Food Guide Pyramid accessible on mypyramid.gov that provides great information for healthy eating guidelines.

Understanding and using the new food guide pyramid is more practical than it looks. The pyramid site allows you to personalize your own plan, encourages moderation, defines portions and portion control, promotes variety, and doesn’t neglect including physical activity on a regular basis.

Here some suggestions that can assist you in using the new food guide pyramid in your daily life:

• Try to match the pyramid guidelines 80% of the time—it doesn’t have to be 100%. A slip or a treat here and there does not mean failure. The 80/20 guidelines to using the pyramid is a lifestyle approach that encourages moderation, self-acceptance, and good judgment.
• Try not to approach eating from extremes (always/never; good/bad). Classify foods as high or low in complex carbohydrates, high or low in fat, or high or low in sugar.
• Defining serving size for all food groups is key when using the pyramid. Servings that are too large or too small can jeopardize health and weight management goals. When personalizing a plan, the serving suggestions for that calorie level will be made and will assist you in portion control.
• Focusing on rigid calorie counting ultimately sets people up to fail in long-term weight management. Rigid calorie counting is not “real life”!! However, consuming adequate portions from all food groups and watching the intake of “empty calories” can help with attaining proper calorie intake and ultimately weight management.
• Physical activity is another key factor to achieving and maintaining health and fitness. Try something fun, easy to start and stick with long term. Vary your activities so boredom doesn’t set in. Make exercise a daily priority!!!
• Start keeping a food log or journal so you can track and visualize what is going into your mouth. Use a small notebook so you can carry it with you. This can help ensure the development and maintenance of good eating habits.