Moms Talk: Food Pyramid vs. Food Plate

The food pyramid that we all used to learn about healthy food groups is turning into the food plate, according to the U.S. Government.

So, we asked our Moms Council: Should we change health classes in schools? How much education do your kids get in school about eating well? At home? We learned about the four food groups when we were in school. Does that still happen in the 21st century?

Lisa May

I asked my two school-aged children about this. My soon-to-be 4th grader said they learned about the pyramid this year. My daughter seems to think they learned about it in 3rd grade, as well. My son did say they did a lot on this subject with his Cub Scout den. Honestly, they did not elaborate more on the topic when I asked them.

As for me, if it is changing, the curriculum should adhere to the standards. Of course, an open dialogue should be present among the students when discussing this topic. My oldest will have health next year in school. I will be interested to see if this is covered. 

I am interested to see what the rest of the panel says. 

Jenny Wescoat

I don't remember that my son spent time learning about the food pyramid this year in kindergarten. He did learn about nutrition in preschool and since then has brought nutrition into discussions many times.

We talk about it some at home, but I really think what they see their parents do is really the loudest message they hear about nutrition. I think the plate idea is great. We already loosely use that at our house at dinnertime, in that I just make sure that half of our choices on the table are fruits and veggies. It just keeps it simple—I never could get the pyramid into my head when I was in school!

Samantha Goswami

So I asked my sons, "Do you know what the food pyramid is?" My soon-to-be 3rd grader said he learned it in 1st grade and it includes fruits, vegetables and a little oils. My soon-to-be 1st grader said he did not know. We always discuss red light and green light foods at home and are also teaching the kids to read food labels especially when we grocery shop.
 
The plate seems like a good idea. Easy to understand. I agree that health classes should change and follow this new plate!

Jennifer AuBuchon

My kids (and some of their friends) said they learn about the food pyramid every year in health. They even pointed out the change from the horizontal to the diagonal lines that occurred a few years ago. They hadn't heard of the food plate until I told them. We all look forward to seeing the new design on Thursday!

Sharon Luna

In my personal opinion, it dosen't matter if it's a group, a pyramid or a a plate.  As far as what or how it is taught in school, all it comes down to is a chapter in a book that has to be covered.  

Nutrition, along with a few other things, needs to begin at home with good role modeling and the whole family needs to be on board. Parents can teach just by making healthy food choices. Everyone knows what "should" be served, but sometimes we lose sight of that because of all the demands on our time. 

It's easier to start when children are young, and that usually means we as caregivers need to revamp our eating styles. If it is not in the house it is not missed. Then treats such as ice cream, cookies and snack cakes really are treats and not something expected! 

My granddaughter and I are participating in a Healthy Life Style Change through Washington University, and we have learned a lot about not only nutrition, but also physical activity, calorie counting, food planning and label reading! Not always easy choices, but the outcome has been worthwhile!