Carol Beddingfield
Director of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce.
Are you confused and frustrated with all the food pyramids, body mass indexes, good fat-bad fats and food labels?
Well to confuse you even more the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services have now updated their dietary guidelines.
To simplify things for you, these two federal departments have agreed on three basic changes to help you maintain appropriate weight for your age.
• Balancing Calories - Enjoy your food, but eat less. Avoid oversized portions.
• Foods to Increase - Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk.
• Foods to Reduce - Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals. Choose foods with lower numbers. Drink water instead of sugary drinks
More than two-thirds of adults and one-third of children are now considered to be overweight or obese. This excess weight raises the risk of serious health issues.
Bad eating habits lead to vitamin deficiency. Choose foods that provide more potassium, dietary fiber, calcium and vitamin D. If you are over 50, consume foods fortified with vitamin B 12 or take dietary supplements.
The lack of exercise continues to be another multiple factor in the war against weight gain. Seek out advice from your physician and then find a qualified instructor at one of Fort Payne's gyms.
I love David's answer when I asked what kind of sandwich would be suitable for my diet. His reply - half a sandwich.
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