Food pyramid, what is it, how it has evolved and how to understand for a healthy ifestyleThe food pyramid was a tool developed in 1978 to point in a simple manner, the groups of food and the amounts recommended for a daily diet. From essay and error, the pyramid evolved, as the results of the eating behaviours and health could be seen in the population. Today, as we see obesity and degenerative disorders rising, there are other pyramids which include even sometimes, advice for supplementation and physical activity, changes in the number of servings and placing of food groups. Might the new pyramids help to inform better the consumers and help them achieve a healthier lifestyle? I give you here a food pyramid history with the graphics and some comments for each one.
+ Does not explain the difference between "good" and "bad oils. + It gives priority to whole-grain foods instead than giving it to vegetables which have a lower glycemic index. + Better than meat is fish, because of the high omega 3 fatty acids. + In dairy products those with high amounts of fat shouldn't be in the pyramid. People who built the Healthy Eating Pyramid from the Department of Nutrition of Harvard School of Public Health defend these work by saying that the other pyramids were based in old scientific data and commercial interests of specific parties. My pyramid USDA
There are controversial comments for MyPyramid too like: + MyPyramid does not show servings in the same way as the old one. + As the lines are shown going towards the top of the pyramid and not by levels as in the other models, it isn't easy to understand the difference of portions between groups. + Isn't it curious it shows servings of at least 3 ounces for whole grains and it doesn't mention for other food groups? (Remember USDA is the Agriculture Department), you'll see a further note if you keep reading. Old pyramid from USDA
In the pyramid, there are other things that were criticized such as: + There are refined carbohydrates included and fats. Maybe these and the huge servings of carbs account for higher percentage of people with weight problems. + The USDA (Agriculture) was neutral? Or did they tried to help the Grain Industry. Well, some people have give it a thought. + These pyramid does not distinguish between healthy or unhealthy fats. + And finally does not distinguish either which types of meat are better. And further, it does not separate fish from other types of meat. In western countries people are eating "45 bad fats" vs. "1 good fat" every day, this doesn't occur in eastern countries because people there, eat more fish which provides good protein and essential fatty acids as well ("the good fats"). As I just said at the beginning of the article, who will have the last word for a healthy eating and what results will it bring is you, but these pyramids have intended to be guidelines that help people to reach the goal of a healthier nutrition and now, a healthier lifestyle. Go from the food pyramid to Food Articles. Know about food groups. Harvard healthy eating Pyramid All about USDA MyPyramid Return to Lifetime Fitness Nutrition Homepage New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
