A while back, I set out to find a healthier way of eating than the standard American diet, which is laden with fat, sodium, sugar, and a variety of dangerous chemicals. I thought a good place to start would be the USDA food pyramid, which had been ingrained into my brain from an early age. After studying it as well as its successor, MyPlate, I was left unfulfilled.
One of the main problems with the pyramid is the recommendation for us to eat 6-11 portions of breads, pastas, and other grain products every day. Not only does research suggest that is too much, there is no mention of whole grains versus refined grains. Another shortcoming is that the pyramid lumps meat, poultry, fish, and nuts together despite having very different nutrition profiles. Poultry typically has significantly less fat than meat, some fish, and nuts. additionally, it doesn't distinguish between the healthy fat in fish and nuts versus the unhealthy saturated fats often contained in meat. I also believe there to be too much dairy at 2-3 servings per day. Why do human adults (or children, for that matter) need to drink the milk of another animal? The top of the pyramid (fats, oils, sweets) also doesn't distinguish between healthy fats in some oils and unhealthy fats in sweets. Furthermore, listing fat as a food item is confusing. Is fat a food group or do they mean straight lard?
Following a fair amount of criticism in recent years, the government introduced MyPlate in 2011 to replace the food pyramid. Despite the fact that the MyPlate recommendations suggest more nutrition coming from fruits and vegetables, it needs improvements in a variety of sections. The advice still permits half of grains to come from processing (refined) while the meat section does differentiate processed meat like bacon and sausages from purer forms of meat. Finally, healthy fats are nowhere to be found on the plate and my dairy concerns remain unchanged.
Luckily, I found an approach that is considerably more healthy, aptly named the Healthy Eating Pyramid, researched and designed by Harvard faculty. It uses independent research studies and dietary analysis, without the influence of the food industry lobby, which unfortunately appears to apply to the USDA's efforts. Harvard's pyramid makes several crucial enhancements and distinctions in comparison to the USDA's suggestions. First off, in addition to making distinctions from whole grain items and refined grains, the level of refined grains is significantly lowered. The same thing applies to red meat and processed meat. They are separated from seafood and chicken, and recommended to be eaten infrequently.
Harvard's pyramid also contains sections on healthy oils, nuts, and seeds, distinguishing between healthy (unsaturated) and unhealthy (saturated) fats. Dairy consumption is also suggested to be less than the USDA's version at 1-2 servings per day or a vitamin D and calcium supplements. Researchers also recommend daily exercise and vitamins.
I believe these new nutritional guidelines provide a substantial improvement to the government's pyramid and MyPlate. The food industry lobby seemed to have little influence over Harvard's researchers, resulting in an unbiased and research-based approach. I wholeheartedly recommend learning more about these nutritional recommendations to make positive changes to your health.
One of the main problems with the pyramid is the recommendation for us to eat 6-11 portions of breads, pastas, and other grain products every day. Not only does research suggest that is too much, there is no mention of whole grains versus refined grains. Another shortcoming is that the pyramid lumps meat, poultry, fish, and nuts together despite having very different nutrition profiles. Poultry typically has significantly less fat than meat, some fish, and nuts. additionally, it doesn't distinguish between the healthy fat in fish and nuts versus the unhealthy saturated fats often contained in meat. I also believe there to be too much dairy at 2-3 servings per day. Why do human adults (or children, for that matter) need to drink the milk of another animal? The top of the pyramid (fats, oils, sweets) also doesn't distinguish between healthy fats in some oils and unhealthy fats in sweets. Furthermore, listing fat as a food item is confusing. Is fat a food group or do they mean straight lard?
Following a fair amount of criticism in recent years, the government introduced MyPlate in 2011 to replace the food pyramid. Despite the fact that the MyPlate recommendations suggest more nutrition coming from fruits and vegetables, it needs improvements in a variety of sections. The advice still permits half of grains to come from processing (refined) while the meat section does differentiate processed meat like bacon and sausages from purer forms of meat. Finally, healthy fats are nowhere to be found on the plate and my dairy concerns remain unchanged.
Luckily, I found an approach that is considerably more healthy, aptly named the Healthy Eating Pyramid, researched and designed by Harvard faculty. It uses independent research studies and dietary analysis, without the influence of the food industry lobby, which unfortunately appears to apply to the USDA's efforts. Harvard's pyramid makes several crucial enhancements and distinctions in comparison to the USDA's suggestions. First off, in addition to making distinctions from whole grain items and refined grains, the level of refined grains is significantly lowered. The same thing applies to red meat and processed meat. They are separated from seafood and chicken, and recommended to be eaten infrequently.
Harvard's pyramid also contains sections on healthy oils, nuts, and seeds, distinguishing between healthy (unsaturated) and unhealthy (saturated) fats. Dairy consumption is also suggested to be less than the USDA's version at 1-2 servings per day or a vitamin D and calcium supplements. Researchers also recommend daily exercise and vitamins.
I believe these new nutritional guidelines provide a substantial improvement to the government's pyramid and MyPlate. The food industry lobby seemed to have little influence over Harvard's researchers, resulting in an unbiased and research-based approach. I wholeheartedly recommend learning more about these nutritional recommendations to make positive changes to your health.
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If you would like to learn to eat healthier, please see my webpage at FDA why are processed foods bad or Dangerous Food Additives Preservatives
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