Want to make a difference? How about re-designing the Food Pyramid. H&F 7/13

[lynnzop[$]]

The Food Pyramid doesn't work.

"When the department did research on the pyramid, all it showed was that no one understood it," said Dr. Marion Nestle, professor of food studies, nutrition and public health at New York University.

So what’s to understand? You eat more of what’s at the base, less of what’s on the point. I don’t get what is so difficult about that.

I admit, however, that understanding and following are two different things. With the advent of low-carb diets, the Food Pyramid (which is essentially low-fat), an inverted or modified pyramid, or having different models to choose from, is probably what the Dept of Ag is looking for.

The Agriculture Department is asking for public comment on the graphic itself and on new educational materials for the public and professionals. But after receiving more than 275,000 comments on its proposed organic trade rules, the department says it will not accept e-mail about the pyramid.

There is contact info in the article….but what are your thoughts? How would you redesign the food model? Would you offer options (i.e., if you are low-carb, follow this model; if you are low-fat, follow this model)

Discuss while you log and do your good stuff for yourself. And have a great Tuesday.

Lynn

[mtomm[$]]

I always thought the food pyramid was pretty easy to understand but like you said following it is a different story. I believe that we will see it change over the years. That is okay since we should be able to change in light of new information. I also think that there should be some flexibility since what works well for some may not work well for others.

Had eggnog for breakfast (my homemade kind not the store-bought). Didn't hear my alarm because of the fan so I missed my work-out. I must be more viligent about making sure I hear my alarm! Sometimes I wake up without it but not today.

[mjfrombuffalo[$]]

I thinkthe problem is people don't fully grasp the portion sizes, at least that's what I recall from the article I read this morning. I always have problems with that too - both judging portion sizes and keeping to the amount I should instead of binging on ALL of something!

Out late last night so no gym this morning. Breakfast was non-everything yogurt, hi-fi cereal, coffee, milk, sugar.

[slick4591[$]]

..........steak
....chipschipschips
beerbeerbeerbeerbeer

[lynnzop[$]]

slick4591 said

..........steak
....chipschipschips
beerbeerbeerbeerbeer

You really need to send that in.......

Yogurt and blueberries for breakfast.

[theeye]

Slightly off-topic:

Our local JCC was recently running a special promotion for new fitness members. The ubiquitous posters for the promotion featured two large full-color photographs side by side, with the caption, It's Your Choice.

Both pictures showed circular objects, each with a hole in its center. The one on the right was a large weight of the sort that goes on a barbell. The one on the left was a very vivid, true-to-life photograph of a doughnut with rainbow sprinkles.

Nearly everyone I know who saw that poster said their first reaction was: 'Oooooh: are they giving away doughnuts? I'll take one.'

[murasaki]

I thought the food pyramid had been revamped--the dietician gave me a copy of the new pyramid when I had my appointment weeks ago. She got it somewhere online (I don't remember the website). The new pyramid separated good carbs from not-so-good carbs. I'll have to look for it at home and post the website later.

I think MJ's right about the portion sizes. At least for meat, a good rule of thumb is a serving equals the size of your fist.

This morning I lifted weights in the gym. It was pouring down rain so I thought the place would be packed but it was pretty deserted.

I could really use some chocolate. (Okay, that's just a random thought, but I could.)