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?
A few years ago, the food pyramid was changed to MyPlate. Even though the MyPlate recommendations suggest more servings of fruits and veggies, it still lacks elsewhere. The recommendations still permit refined grains to make up 1/2 of all grains. Meanwhile, they don't differentiate processed meat like hotdogs and sausages. Lastly, healthy fats are totally missing in the plate and there were no improvements made to the dairy section of the pyramid.
Fortunately, I discovered something that made more sense. It's known as the Healthy Eating Pyramid, produced by Harvard. It utilizes legitimate dietary research without influence from the food industry lobby, something that can't be stated for USDA's efforts. Harvard's pyramid makes numerous key enhancements and distinctions in comparison with the USDA's recommendations. First, in addition to distinctions made between whole grain products and processed grains, the amount of refined grains is considerably reduced. Exactly the same factor applies to red meat and processed meat. They're separated from seafood and chicken, and suggested to be eaten in small amounts.
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.
Overall, this appears to be a drastic improvement to the government's nutritional recommendations. It is appears to be unbiased and based on legitimate research. If you're looking for a better way, this could be exactly what you're searching for. Good luck!
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?
A few years ago, the food pyramid was changed to MyPlate. Even though the MyPlate recommendations suggest more servings of fruits and veggies, it still lacks elsewhere. The recommendations still permit refined grains to make up 1/2 of all grains. Meanwhile, they don't differentiate processed meat like hotdogs and sausages. Lastly, healthy fats are totally missing in the plate and there were no improvements made to the dairy section of the pyramid.
Fortunately, I discovered something that made more sense. It's known as the Healthy Eating Pyramid, produced by Harvard. It utilizes legitimate dietary research without influence from the food industry lobby, something that can't be stated for USDA's efforts. Harvard's pyramid makes numerous key enhancements and distinctions in comparison with the USDA's recommendations. First, in addition to distinctions made between whole grain products and processed grains, the amount of refined grains is considerably reduced. Exactly the same factor applies to red meat and processed meat. They're separated from seafood and chicken, and suggested to be eaten in small amounts.
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.
Overall, this appears to be a drastic improvement to the government's nutritional recommendations. It is appears to be unbiased and based on legitimate research. If you're looking for a better way, this could be exactly what you're searching for. Good luck!
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If you would like to learn to eat healthier, please see my webpage at FDA Food Label Claims or Dangerous Food Additives Preservatives
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