I've Never Eaten on a Pyramid...

So I just have to take a break from my Beloved Belly Fat Chat to offer my thoughts on the government’s new “My Plate".  In some ways I think  “My Plate” could be an improvement over the "Food Pyramid"-although it does look a bit like basic Clip Art. Definitely looks like something l’d use with a preschooler!!

The visual does seem to be much more practical by using a plate rather than a pyramid. Plus, I love, love, love the fact that ½ of the plate is fruits and vegetables, but it still seems too vague….maybe too simple! Then again, in some ways it may be too complicated. 

Let’s start with my issues with the old "Food Pyramid." In my opinion it simply wasn’t an effective way to show people how to eat right. If it were effective, the obesity rate wouldn't be over 35 percent for adults. There is no discerning the good  vs. bad. For example, all grains were grouped together-no break down of healthy grains versus processed grains (check out my post regarding processed foods).

Same with the other food groups-although many may believe it to be so….Velveeta is NOT a dairy product! It appears that "My Plate" doesn’t give a whole lot more information. They are assuming everyone knows about dairy, grains, fruits, vegetables, and protein. And where is that dab of the necessary healthy fats? I had to search the internet to try to see what foods were recommended in each plate section.

Does everyone know which foods contain the most protein?  A yummy snack could be a tablespoon of natural peanut butter-only peanuts-not the stuff with extra sugar, oil, etc- maybe spread on a banana or an apple. But does the average person know that it’s OK to eat a little peanut butter? But…also know that just because it’s healthy or natural doesn’t mean you can eat all you want! A serving is 2 Tablespoons. OK….I’m off on a tangent! That's another one of my “mini-lectures”…

In a class I took to earn CECs, Walter Willett, M.D., the author of “Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy” suggested we look at who is on the team creating the Pyramid and try to discover if there might be any personal agenda influencing them. I am still naïve enough to believe the best in people and hope that the basis of their input is to sincerely show people how to be healthy, feel good, live longer, etc. I haven’t researched "My Plate" enough to know who created it, but it’s definitely “food” for thought-no pun intended :-D

While I think "My Plate" is an improvement over the archaic pyramids, and a nice, simple learning tool, I believe it is still lacking some areas. Since the government hasn’t asked for my opinion (yet), I’m going to share my suggestions with YOU!

• Include a brief list of suggested foods on the Plate, the Pyramid, or the Whatever; be specific
• Portion control is one of the biggest problems I see. It would be great to use visuals such as: 2 tablespoons of peanut butter is the size of a ping pong ball
• Since physical activity is a key component of good health, why not include a variety of healthy activities, the length of time per day, how your body will benefit

Finally, why do we need a pyramid OR a plate? Is it the best way to educate the public? Does it really guide your food choices? Is My Plate more “user friendly”? I would be interested in your thoughts on this!! And until the government gets it all figured out…keep reading this blog-packed with fitness truths and my opinion!!