A while back, I set out to find a healthier way of eating than the standard American diet, which is laden with fat, sodium, sugar, and a variety of dangerous chemicals. I thought a good place to start would be the USDA food pyramid, which had been ingrained into my brain from an early age. After studying it as well as its successor, MyPlate, I was left unfulfilled.
Among the primary issues with the pyramid may be the recommendation for all of us to consume six to eleven servings of breads, pastas, along with other grain items every single day. Besides research suggesting that's an excessive amount, there's no reference to whole grain products versus refined grains. Another disadvantage would be that the pyramid lumps meat, chicken, seafood, and nuts together despite wide differences in dietary values. Chicken typically has considerably less body fat than meat, some seafood, and nuts. Furthermore, it does not separate the healthy fat in seafood and nuts in comparison to the unhealthy, saturated fat frequently found in most cuts of meat. I additionally believe there to become an excessive amount of dairy at 2-3 portions each day. The top portion of the pyramid lists fats, oils, and sweets, again not separating healthy fats in certain oils and bad fats in sweets. Finally, fat is not actually a food category like meat, nuts, or dairy. It is just confusing to people.
In 2011, the pyramid was replaced with MyPlate. Although the MyPlate recommendations suggest a greater amount of nutrition coming from fruits and vegetables, it still comes up short in other areas. The guidelines still allow for half of grains to be refined while in the meat section, they do not differentiate processed meats like hotdogs and sausages. Meanwhile, healthy fats are completely missing from the plate. My dairy concerns remain from the earlier pyramid.
Fortunately, I discovered something that made more sense. It's known as the Healthy Eating Pyramid, produced by Harvard. It utilizes legitimate dietary research without influence from the food industry lobby, something that can't be stated for USDA's efforts. Harvard's pyramid makes numerous key enhancements and distinctions in comparison with the USDA's recommendations. First, in addition to distinctions made between whole grain products and processed grains, the amount of refined grains is considerably reduced. Exactly the same factor applies to red meat and processed meat. They're separated from seafood and chicken, and suggested to be eaten in small amounts.
Harvard's pyramid also contains sections on healthy oils, nuts, and seeds, distinguishing between healthy (unsaturated) and unhealthy (saturated) fats. Dairy consumption is also suggested to be less than the USDA's version at 1-2 servings per day or a vitamin D and calcium supplements. Researchers also recommend daily exercise and vitamins.
Overall, this appears to be a drastic improvement to the government's nutritional recommendations. It is appears to be unbiased and based on legitimate research. If you're looking for a better way, this could be exactly what you're searching for. Good luck!
Among the primary issues with the pyramid may be the recommendation for all of us to consume six to eleven servings of breads, pastas, along with other grain items every single day. Besides research suggesting that's an excessive amount, there's no reference to whole grain products versus refined grains. Another disadvantage would be that the pyramid lumps meat, chicken, seafood, and nuts together despite wide differences in dietary values. Chicken typically has considerably less body fat than meat, some seafood, and nuts. Furthermore, it does not separate the healthy fat in seafood and nuts in comparison to the unhealthy, saturated fat frequently found in most cuts of meat. I additionally believe there to become an excessive amount of dairy at 2-3 portions each day. The top portion of the pyramid lists fats, oils, and sweets, again not separating healthy fats in certain oils and bad fats in sweets. Finally, fat is not actually a food category like meat, nuts, or dairy. It is just confusing to people.
In 2011, the pyramid was replaced with MyPlate. Although the MyPlate recommendations suggest a greater amount of nutrition coming from fruits and vegetables, it still comes up short in other areas. The guidelines still allow for half of grains to be refined while in the meat section, they do not differentiate processed meats like hotdogs and sausages. Meanwhile, healthy fats are completely missing from the plate. My dairy concerns remain from the earlier pyramid.
Fortunately, I discovered something that made more sense. It's known as the Healthy Eating Pyramid, produced by Harvard. It utilizes legitimate dietary research without influence from the food industry lobby, something that can't be stated for USDA's efforts. Harvard's pyramid makes numerous key enhancements and distinctions in comparison with the USDA's recommendations. First, in addition to distinctions made between whole grain products and processed grains, the amount of refined grains is considerably reduced. Exactly the same factor applies to red meat and processed meat. They're separated from seafood and chicken, and suggested to be eaten in small amounts.
Harvard's pyramid also contains sections on healthy oils, nuts, and seeds, distinguishing between healthy (unsaturated) and unhealthy (saturated) fats. Dairy consumption is also suggested to be less than the USDA's version at 1-2 servings per day or a vitamin D and calcium supplements. Researchers also recommend daily exercise and vitamins.
Overall, this appears to be a drastic improvement to the government's nutritional recommendations. It is appears to be unbiased and based on legitimate research. If you're looking for a better way, this could be exactly what you're searching for. Good luck!
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