bf adult guide

MY BRIGHT FUTURE:
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND
HEALTHY EATING

For Adult Women

This booklet will help you learn more about the importance of physical activity and healthy eating in your
daily life. It will also help you talk with your health care provider about these topics and set healthy goals.
Getting Started: Questions to answer on your own and talk about with your health care provider. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Talking With My Health Care Provider: Examples of questions to ask your health care provider. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
My Health Care Visit: A section for your health care provider to fill out during your visit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Setting My Goals: A chart for setting goals with your health care provider (or on your own). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
What I Should Know: Why physical activity and healthy eating are important for you. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Hints for Reaching My Goals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

LET’S GET STARTED…

This section asks questions about your current levels of physical activity
(moving your body) and healthy eating. Please check the boxes that best
answer each question.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
1. How many days a week do you do physical activities?

3. What types of physical activity do you enjoy doing? (Check all that apply.)
Walking
Running
Playing individual or team sports
Swimming
Dancing
Climbing stairs

7 days

Housecleaning

5-6 days

Yard work

3-4 days

Lifting weights

1-2 days

Playing actively with children

0 days

Others__________________________________________________________

2. How much time do you spend being physically active on a typical day?
More than 30 minutes

GETTING STARTED

GETTING STARTED

4. What are some of the reasons that keep you from being as physically active as you’d
like to be? (Check all that apply.)

20-30 minutes

Lack of time.

Less than 20 minutes

Don’t know how to be more physically active.

0 minutes

Childcare is not available.
Have a physical problem, pain, or disability.
Don’t have a safe place to be physically active.
Lack of energy.
Don’t want to exercise in front of other people.
Others__________________________________________________________

4

5. On a typical day, how often do you have foods from the milk group?
For example, how often do you drink milk, add milk to your cereal, or
eat yogurt or cheese?
Three or more times a day
Twice a day
Once a day
Less than once a day
6. On a typical day, how often do you eat foods from the meat and beans group,
such as hamburger, chicken, turkey, fish, pork, peanut butter, eggs, nuts,
dried beans, or tofu?
Three or more times a day
Twice a day
Once a day
Less than once a day
7. On a typical day, how often do you eat foods from the grains group, such as
cereal, rice, pasta, breads, tortillas, couscous, bagels, pita bread, or crackers?
Three or more times a day
Twice a day
Once a day
Less than once a day

8. On a typical day, how often do you eat fruit or drink 100% fruit juice?
Three or more times a day
Twice a day
Once a day
Less than once a day
9. On a typical day, how often do you eat vegetables or drink 100% vegetable juice?
Three or more times a day
Twice a day
Once a day
Less than once a day

“

Since last year, I’ve gained a
few pounds and don’t feel good
with this extra weight. I started
paying more attention to the
things I eat, but knew that I had

10. On a typical day, do you think about or do any of the following?
(Check all that apply.)
Think about the nutrients in my food.
Try to eat nutrient-rich foods.
Get the recommended nutrients through my food.
Take vitamins or minerals.
11. What are some of the reasons that keep you from eating as healthy as
you’d like to?
Not sure which foods are healthy for me.
There isn’t a grocery store in my neighborhood.
Healthy food is expensive.
Don’t have time to cook healthy food.
Have to cook foods that my kids will eat.
Others______________________________________________

to start exercising. So I joined
an exercise class at my church

GETTING STARTED

HEALTHY EATING

with a good friend. We kept each
other going, and after 3 months,
I’ve lost 10 pounds and found
I have more energy. Not only
that, but since I’ve had so much
fun and made some great new
friends, I’m going to keep up
the classes.

”
Linda
Springfield, Illinois

6

Many health care providers will answer your questions about physical activity
and healthy eating. Let your provider know that you have some questions at the
start of your visit or if he or she asks if there is anything that you’d like to talk
about. Here are some examples of questions that you may want to ask.
Am I getting enough physical activity?
How do I fit more physical activity into my life?
What are some physical activities that I can add to a typical day?
I have back pain or knee pain. What are some activities that
I can do safely?
I would like to lose some weight. What is a safe and healthy way
for me to do this?
What are some nutrient-rich foods for me to eat?
Am I in a healthy weight range for my height and age?
In the space below, write questions you would like to ask your
health care provider. My own questions:

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

TALKING WITH MY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

1.___________________________________________________________________________

2.___________________________________________________________________________

3.___________________________________________________________________________

Share this booklet and the previous sections that you’ve completed with your
health care provider. Remember to ask your questions.

8

MY HEALTH CARE VISIT
These pages are for your health care provider to fill in. Now is the time for you and your
health care provider to review this information together.
Date:

______________________

Height (inches): ______________________
Weight (pounds): ______________________
BMI:

______________________
(Use chart on the right to find where height and weight meet.)

The body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight (not
just weight alone). A BMI of 25 or higher means you are overweight or obese and at a
higher risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and other
conditions. (Note: People who are muscular tend to have higher BMI scores without
necessarily being overweight.)
Other measurements to keep in mind:
Blood pressure:

______________________

Cholesterol level: ______________________

Current Physical Activity Level Assessment:

Current Nutrition and Eating Habits Assessment:
On target
Recommend changes
Health Care Provider’s Recommendations:
1.___________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.___________________________________________________________________________________________________

On target
Recommend changes

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

TO BE COMPLETED BY MY
HEALTH CARE PROVIDER

3.___________________________________________________________________________________________________

10

To set goals that are right for you, think about what you want to change and why, and
what steps you can take to reach your goals. These changes don’t have to be big. Even
small steps can make a difference in your health! Also, think about who can help you
and how you’ll reward yourself for making progress.
Use this chart to set simple physical activity and healthy eating goals with your health
care provider. You can also ask your family or friends to help.

My reason for this goal
Steps I’ll take

1.
2.
3.

Who will help me
When I’ll start

Sample Goal

Lose 10 Pounds

When I’ll meet my goal

My reason for this goal

To be at a healthy weight and fit into my favorite
dress for my sister’s wedding

How I’ll reward myself for making
progress toward my goal

Steps I’ll take

1. Eat three balanced meals each day.
2. Eat smaller portions at home and at restaurants.
3. Join the lunchtime walking group at work.

My Goal

Who will help me

My family and friends

When I’ll start

Today

When I’ll meet my goal

By the wedding — in 3 months

How I’ll reward myself for making
progress toward my goal

Buy myself some flowers

SETTING MY GOALS

SETTING MY GOALS

My Goal

My reason for this goal
Steps I’ll take

1.
2.
3.

Who will help me
When I’ll start
When I’ll meet my goal
How I’ll reward myself for making
progress toward my goal

12

WHAT I SHOULD KNOW

Help to beat stress and depression

This section provides some information on physical activity and healthy eating choices to help you with
your goals. Also, ask your health care provider for Bright Futures for Women’s Health and Wellness Reaching
My Goal Tip Sheets or visit www.hrsa.gov/WomensHealth.

Help you lower your risk of many diseases

Help you sleep better

WHAT I SHOULD KNOW

15

Help you control your weight by balancing the calories you take in with the calories you burn
Recommendations:

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week for good health.

Being physically active means moving your body. Regular physical activity can:

Aim for 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity most days of the week to prevent

Make you feel more energetic
Make you feel good

weight gain. A longer amount (60-90 minutes) may be needed to keep up weight loss.
You can do this all at one time or break it up into shorter bouts of physical activity throughout the day.

14

For …

Try …

HEALTHY EATING

Flexibility

Stretching, yoga, dancing

Food Variety

Strength

Lifting weights, sit-ups, push-ups, carrying groceries or a child

Eating a variety of foods helps ensure that you get the nutrients your body

Healthy Heart
(aerobic)

Brisk walking, running, biking, swimming, jumping rope, roller skating,
using aerobic equipment (for example, treadmill, stationary bike)

needs every day. Following MyPyramid.gov can help you create a balanced
healthy diet by giving you suggestions for the types and amounts you should
have from all food groups each day. Be careful to limit oils (fats) and sweets

Physical Activity Safety Tips

for a more healthy diet and to prevent weight gain.

“

I rarely cook meat because my
teenage daughter won’t eat it, so I

Slow down if you’re out of breath. You should be able to talk while exercising

was concerned about us not getting

without gasping for breath.

enough iron. How relieved I was

Drink water before, during, and after exercise.

to hear that we could get iron from

Limit hard exercise for 2 hours after a big meal. A short walk is okay.

other foods, such as fortified

Wear supportive shoes and use sunscreen when outdoors.

cereals, whole wheat bread, beans,

STOP exercising and call 9-1-1 right away if you feel any of the signs below for
more than a few minutes:
Have discomfort or pain in the center of your chest
Have discomfort in your arm(s), back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Feel dizzy or sick
Feel short of breath
Break out in a cold sweat

like kidney and pinto beans, and
spinach. So, now we’re making all

WHAT I SHOULD KNOW

Make Physical Activity a Part of Your Day

types of iron-rich meals and we’re
both enjoying something new at

”

the dinner table.

Shawna
Baltimore, Maryland

16

The Fruit and Vegetable Groups give you vitamins such as vitamin A and C, folic
acid, and potassium; minerals such as iron; fiber; and other nutrients that are
important for good health. They can also help protect you against disease and
keep your body regular.
The Milk Group gives you minerals such as calcium and vitamins such as
vitamin D to build strong, healthy bones and teeth. Foods in this group also
have carbohydrates for energy and protein for important body functions.
Whole-milk dairy foods contain unhealthy fats, so it’s a good idea to choose
low-fat or fat-free dairy foods.
The Meat and Beans Group gives you protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals such
as iron. Meats, especially high-fat processed meats such as bologna contain
unhealthy fats, so it’s a good idea to limit these or try lower fat varieties.
Oils (Fats) give you some vitamins such as Vitamin E and extra calories,
which can make it hard to keep your weight in a healthy range. It’s especially
important to limit saturated fat, which is found in whole dairy foods, many
meats, butter, and lard, and raises the risk for heart disease—the number-one
cause of death among women. Oils such as canola and olive oils are low in
saturated fat and are healthier for you.

Making Healthy Food Group Choices
Daily amount*

Reaching the daily amount

Things to keep in mind

Grains
5-8 ounces

1 ounce = 1/2 cup of cooked rice, pasta, cous
cous or cereal; 1 slice of bread; 1 small tortilla;
1 small muffin; 1 cup ready-to-eat cereal.

Choose whole grains at least half
the time, such as whole grain bread,
oatmeal, brown rice.

Vegetables
2-3 cups

1 cup = 1 cup cut-up raw or cooked
vegetables; 1 cup vegetable juice; 2 cups
leafy salad greens.

Vary the types of vegetables you
eat. Eat more dark green and orange
vegetables.

Fruits
11/2 –2 cups

1 cup = 1 cup cut-up raw or cooked fruit;
1 cup fruit juice.

Eat a variety of fruits. Choose fresh,
frozen, canned, or dried fruit. Go easy
on fruit juices.

Milk
3 cups

1 cup = 1 cup milk or yogurt, 11/2 ounces
low-fat or fat-free natural cheese; 2 ounces
processed cheese.

Choose low-fat or fat-free milk
products. If you can’t tolerate milk,
try lactose-free milk products.

Meat and Beans
5-6 1/2 ounces

1 ounce = 1 ounce lean meat, poultry, or
fish; 1 egg, 1/4 cup cooked dry beans or tofu;
1 tablespoon (Tbsp) peanut butter; 1/2 ounce
nuts or seeds.

Choose low-fat or lean meats. Bake,
broil, or grill your meat, instead of
frying. Eat more fish, beans, peas,
nuts, and seeds.

Oils (fats)
5-7 teaspoons

1 teaspoon (tsp) = 1 tsp vegetable oil or soft
margarine; 1 Tbsp low-fat margarine, 2 Tbsp
light salad dressing.

Limit solid fats like butter, stick
margarine, shortening, and lard.

* Recommendations are based on a 1600 – 2400 calorie diet. Women who are very active should aim for
the higher amounts and women who are less active should aim for the lower amounts. For more information
and a personalized plan, visit www.mypyramid.gov. brought to us by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

WHAT I SHOULD KNOW

Food Groups
The Grains Group gives you carbohydrates for energy and vitamins such as
folic acid, B vitamins, and minerals. Whole-grain foods such as whole wheat
bread, brown rice, and oatmeal also have fiber that helps protect you against
certain diseases and keeps your body regular. Fiber can help you feel full with
fewer calories.

18

The Nutrition Facts panel on the food label
can help you make smart food choices by
giving you information on serving sizes,
calories, and nutrients, such as saturated
and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, fiber,
vitamins, and minerals. Just look on the back
of most food packages to find the label.

Sample label for

Macaroni & Cheese

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 cup (228g)
Servings Per Container 2

The food label gives you information on
the calorie content of the portions you eat.
Check the serving size and the number of
servings per container. Compare this to
how much you actually eat.

Why is it important?

How do I get it?

Iron

Helps prevent irondeficiency anemia, which
can make you feel tired.

Eat lean meats; shellfish such as
shrimp; ready-to-eat cereals with added
iron; spinach; cooked dry beans, peas,
and lentils; and enriched and whole
grain breads.

Amount Per Serving

Calories 250 Calories from Fat 110
% Daily Value *

Total Fat 12g

Read the label to see if a food is a good
source of a nutrient or to compare similar
foods—for example, to find which brand
of macaroni and cheese is lower in fat.

Nutrient

18%
15%

Saturated Fat 3g
Trans Fat 1.5g

Folic acid

Cholesterol 30mg
Sodium 470mg

10%
20%

Total Carbohydrate 31g

10%
0%

Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 5g

4%
2%
20%
4%

Calcium

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on
your calorie needs:

Calories:
Less than
Total Fat
Less than
Sat Fat
Less than
Cholesterol
Less than
Sodium
Total Carbohydrate
Dietary Fiber

2,000

2,500

65g
20g
300mg
2,400mg
300g
25g

80g
25g
300mg
2,400mg
375g
30g

The % Daily Values (DVs) that are listed
on the right-hand side tell what percentage
of a certain nutrient you’ll get from one
serving of that food. If you want to limit a nutrient, such as sodium,
then choose foods with a lower % DV. If you want to eat more of a
nutrient such as calcium, then choose foods with a higher % DV.
For more information on the Nutrition Facts panel of the food label, see
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodlab.html.

I used to do a clothing exchange
with my girlfriends with clothes
that no longer fit. The last

Needed for healthy blood
and body proteins. Folic
acid also helps to prevent
some birth defects before
and during pregnancy.

Drink orange juice; eat oranges, dark
green leafy vegetables, green peas,
or fortified cereals. (Check the food
label for folic acid-fortified breakfast
cereals.)

straw came when I had to give

Needed for strong, healthy
bones and teeth, and for the
heart, muscles, and nerves
to work well.

Drink low-fat or fat-free milk and
calcium-fortified juice or soy-based
beverages; eat low-fat and fat-free milk
products like yogurt or cheese and
calcium-fortified cereals and breads.
Eat collards, turnip greens, kale, and
Chinese cabbage (which contain small
amounts of calcium).

fun exercise tape, cleared out

Protein 5g
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Calcium
Iron

“

up my favorite brown suit. I
knew it was time to start an
exercise plan. So, I borrowed a

my living room, and started
exercising with friends a few
times a week. Soon we started

WHAT I SHOULD KNOW

Nutrients
Iron, folic acid, calcium, and vitamin D are a few of the many nutrients that are important for you.

UNDERSTANDING
Serving SizeTHE FOOD LABEL

doing other fun things like
line, salsa, and belly dancing

Vitamin D

Helps the body absorb
calcium to build strong
bones.

Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products
fortified with vitamin D. Spend 10–15
minutes, 3 days a week, in the sun so
your body can make vitamin D.

–activities that we could do
for the long haul, not just for
quick fixes.

”

Janette
Los Angeles, California

20

Choose to move. Add more physical activity into your daily life.
Set realistic and safe goals. Build up your strength, endurance, and fitness.
Involve your friends and family in your physical activity choices.
Choose a variety of foods from all food groups to eat balanced meals.
Try to limit fats, oils, and sweets, as they can be high in calories.
Share and enjoy mealtimes with friends and family.
Be sure to start your day with breakfast, and eat regular meals and snacks
that fit into your daily schedule. Think about what, when, and how much
you eat.
Your body needs several key vitamins and minerals. Remember to eat:
Low-fat and fat-free foods from the milk group for calcium.
Lean meats; shellfish such as shrimp; ready-to-eat cereals with
added iron; spinach; cooked dry beans, peas, and lentils; and
enriched and whole grain breads for iron.
Fortified breakfast cereals; dark green, leafy vegetables; and citrus
fruits for folic acid.

“

My friend’s daughter passed
away from diabetes complications. At the time, I weighed
365 pounds and knew that
obesity can set off diabetes.
Since this disease runs in my
family, I knew I had to take
control of my weight. I read
a lot about how to eat healthy
and I made changes. Instead
of breading and frying chicken
like I used to, I grill or bake
it now. I’ve not only lost

Eat healthy and be physically active to improve your health and energy

165 pounds, I’ve learned

level today and later in life.

how to be healthy for many

For more information on reaching your goals, ask your health care provider
for copies of Bright Futures for Women’s Health and Wellness Reaching My
Goal Tip Sheets or visit www.hrsa.gov/WomensHealth.

REACHING MY GOALS

HINTS FOR REACHING MY GOALS

years to come.

”

Mary
Omaha, Nebraska

22

Getting More Information
Visit these Web sites for more tips and information about
nutrition, physical activity, and women’s health.
Bright Futures for Women’s Health and Wellness Initiative
www.hrsa.gov/WomensHealth
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
www.cnpp.usda.gov/dietary_ guidelines.html
How To Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label
www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/foodlab.html
Eat 5 to 9 a Day for Better Health Campaign
www.5aday.gov
Weight Loss and Control Health Information
www.niddk.nih.gov/health/nutrit/nutrit.htm
National Women’s Health Information Center
www.womenshealth.gov
Steps to a HealthierUS
www.healthierus.gov/steps/index.html
My Pyramid
www.mypyramid.gov

August 2005