A NEW food pyramid???

[anniet]

I was having a very interesting conversation about diets with a gentleman/nurse who was performing blood pressure screenings at a benefits fair I was working the other day. I always like to ask health care professionals their opinions on diet. He began telling me about a Dr. at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Willett who has pretty much rebuilt the food pyramid. He has authored a book called Eat, Drink and Be Healthy which looks very interesting as well. I found several articles about him on the internet and thought I would share one here for anyone interested.

Just thought I would pass this along to my WISH friends.

Enjoy!

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?articleID=0007C5B6-7152-1DF6-9733809EC588EEDF

 

[ohiominnie]

Originally posted by anniet
pretty much rebuilt the food pyramid.[/url]

Ya know, that's exactly why I don't follow any pyramids or food guidelines. My belief is that MODERATION is key. Too much of any one thing isnt' good. (even those foods labeled as "good" are ONLY good in moderation---after all, if you ONLY eat "good" carrots, you'll turn orange!)
So I don't fret over any of the guidelines that are put out, that seem to change almost weekly. After all, wine was once BAD for you, now they recommend it!! Butter was from the devil at one time, but now they say eat that in small quantities to avoid the poly-super-duper saturated fats (or whatever it is in processed margarines!!)
I can't keep up with all of the "rules!"

 

[anniet]

I agree, that food pyramids don't have to be strictly followed and are only meant to be guidelines, but check this one out though, it's pretty interesting-- the bottom of the food pyramid is not food at all it's EXERCISE!!!!!

 

[Wagamama]

cool, thanks! I just printed it out to stick on my fridge!

 

[tlgoblue]

Yes, I've heard of this. I have an aquaintance, (he heads the Cardiology Dept at our local hospital) who explaiend that the food lobbyists had a field day with the last pyramid. He said (and this may be what is in the book you referred to) that the carb section was designed to be whole grain type, but the food industry smoothed it out to be simply carbs. Now the good doctor's new pyramid puts daily exercise an the place of the carb portion, and cuts out pasta, rice and all other simlpe carbs completely. GO ATKINS! It is interesting.
Along that same line, I recently read an article in this month's Consumer Reports, which states that the American Heart Assoc. is recommending fish oil supplements (or the equivalent of fish intake) for all. Very interesting article. (but maybe it's a fishing lobby conspiracy working here. )I wish I had a link, but apparently it's is for subscribers only. I love sushi (salmon in particular), so I do get a lot of good Omega-3's, but I still take a supplement (on the advice of my aformentioned aquaintance.) I also use canola, olive, walnut, peanut and flax seed oils whenever possible. Interestingly, I find other oils to be blah tasting. Another benefit from healthy living, I guess.
Anyway, always looking for better choices. Thanks for the link.

Keep the Faith!
Tracy

 

[nativetxn]

USDA pyramid is grossly flawed. By promoting the consumption of all complex carbohydrates and eschewing all fats and oils, the pyramid provides misleading guidance.

Yep! It sure is

Thanks for the link, Annie. I've sure missed you around here.