Meal planners usually employ one of three guides: The old "Diabetic Exchange System," carb counting, or the "USDA Food Pyramid." Many of us have not found the Food Pyramid too useful, and the government has just replaced it.
The new program is titled "MyPyramid," and is intended to help the public understand the dietary guidelines. Part of the program is a website: www.mypyramid.gov, in which, after reading the material, you can enter information about your age, sex, and level of physical activity, and quickly receive a personalized dietary plan. The site offers clear, detailed explanations of the different food groups, and pertinent, easy-to-understand maximum and minimum limits. Discussions of diet are almost pointless without consideration of exercise, and the exercise information is simple and helpful.
The Web site: www.mypyramid.gov, is produced by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Check it out.