10 Comments
New Food Guide Pyramid
It’s that time again …
…probably a time that most don’t think about. The time to update the Food Guide Pyramid.
You see, every 5 years the federal government updates the dietary guidelines and Food Guide Pyramid. And they’re up for editing once again … with a new version released in December of this year.
Although most Americans don’t understand the guidelines on an individual basis, they have a huge impact on the foods that are served in school systems and through other government based programs.
So, let’s put the question out to you …
If you had YOUR say and input, what would the guidelines say?
Drop us a comment and let us know what you think!
October 5th, 2010 at 7:31 am
As a personal trainer I think they should do a little better job of explaining why they have set the guidelines as they have because the more you notice the more they are changing. I am constantly asked by my clients “I am not the average person of my height and weight and i have no idea what the normal activity level would be for me, so where do I fit in this equation.?”
And someone most definitely needs to address the increase number of fast food places popping up all around. One minute someone is kicking out stats on how Americans are the most obese and have the highest rate of cardio vascular disease and high BP, but they don’t want to address creating more healthy and convenient food options for the public.
I appreciate your blogs and useful information as i am not the authority on nutrition and look forward to sharing you information with my clients every chance i get. Sincerely,
Jabari
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Aaron Reply:
October 5th, 2010 at 8:38 am
One reason there is no concern for the number of fast food places popping up is because we are a nation of consumers and a capitalist nation.
Honestly, people need to take more responsibility for their health. In addition to that, healthy food often costs more. There is more expense in raising and growing quality food and as a result it costs more to buy for the public.
I don’t want fast food restaurants to stop popping up because the government says so; I want them to stop popping up because there is no demand for them. As long as there is demand, there will be supply.
When the demand for healthy food increases, then we’ll see an increase in healthy food restaurants.
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October 5th, 2010 at 9:29 am
The USDA pyramid is based on the low-fat diet approach. We know dietary fat does not make you fat. We are also seeing that saturated fat does not raise cholesterol levels. Fat is much for satiating than carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are hard to portion. People tend to eat far too much starch, even when they intend on eating only a small portion. The science behind the guidelines is non-existent or poor.
That being said, I don’t think Americans are fat because they follow the pyramid. People are not getting fat because they had a carb-heavy breakfast consisting of a 1 cup serving of cereal with a banana and skim milk. They are eating three donuts and having a frap for breakfast. People are not taking responsibility for their food choices and then are blaming the USDA or RD’s for their weight issues. I don’t think a low-fat diet is a good choice, but if people were actually following such diets, they wouldn’t be so fat.
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October 5th, 2010 at 9:29 am
The USDA pyramid is based on the low-fat diet approach. We know dietary fat does not make you fat. We are also seeing that saturated fat does not raise cholesterol levels. Fat is much for satiating than carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are hard to portion. People tend to eat far too much starch, even when they intend on eating only a small portion. The science behind the guidelines is non-existent or poor.
That being said, I don\’t think Americans are fat because they follow the pyramid. People are not getting fat because they had a carb-heavy breakfast consisting of a 1 cup serving of cereal with a banana and skim milk. They are eating three donuts and having a frap for breakfast. People are not taking responsibility for their food choices and then are blaming the USDA or RD\’s for their weight issues. I don\’t think a low-fat diet is a good choice, but if people were actually following such diets, they wouldn\’t be so fat.
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October 5th, 2010 at 9:30 am
I don’t know why my comments always post twice. Sorry about that.
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October 5th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Hmm, to be honest when I hear Food Pyramid I think of the very basic nutrition information you are given in grade school. Other than a few nutrition courses in college, I am not sure the last time I looked at the pyramid. Although it is a tool that many are aware of, I would guess that most would struggle filling in the blanks with appropriate food groups and servings. And even if one can correctly identify the recommended number of servings, many fail when it comes to understanding serving size and applying portion control within their diet.
I agree with the above comment that really it comes down to more personal responsibility- no matter what changes are made to the pyramid or any other guidelines.
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October 5th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
I am no expert, just a woman trying to lose weight, but after a quick look at the chart I would say increase carbs, as long as they are whole grains and sugars from fruits. I also think the vegetable to fruit ratio should be higher.
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October 5th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Chris, I am no expert as you well know, but after a quick look at the chart I would say increase carbs, as long as they are whole grains and sugars from fruits. I also think the vegetable to fruit ratio should be higher. Thank goodness I have you to guide me!
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October 6th, 2010 at 7:39 am
Chris,
Perhaps making the food pyramid easier to understand and user friendly would be a good start. Most people need basics and we need to emphasize that perhaps it is sugar that may be the biggest cuprit in our obesity crisis and not just fat.
I also agree with the earlier comments about society being capitalistic. We live at a frenetic pace and hence fast food prospers. We all need to take more personal responsibility for our choices and this will in turn reduce load on the health care system.
People need to demand more natural foods and resist the quick grab mentality but we must first prioritize our eating as a health initiative instead of an afterthought. Keep up the good work!
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October 6th, 2010 at 6:10 pm
I think they should make it a lot easier to understand. Most people in this country cant name more than 5 vegetables let alone know what a carbohydrate or a monounsaturated fat is. They should help the people, TEACH them whats good and bad. Not just slap some guidelines on a piece of paper and hope that America jumps on the train. Everyone’s view of whats a ‘healthy’ diet is different. Fast food chains aren’t helping with that either, they should be put under the microscope and they should be telling people exactly what they are eating!
In the end, more fruits and veggies!! You can’t ever go wrong with that, Right?!
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