Some time back, I set to look for a more healthy method of eating compared to the average diet in the U.S., which is filled with fat, salt, sugar, and a number of harmful chemicals. I figured a great starting point will be the USDA food pyramid, given that it had been ingrained into my brain from an earlier age, I assumed at least, for a good reason. After studying it along with its successor, MyPlate, I felt compelled to continue my search as both appeared to have glaring shortcomings.
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.
Thankfully, I came across a better way. It's called the Healthy Eating Pyramid, created by Harvard University based on legitimate nutritional research without influence from the food industry lobby, something that cannot be said for the USDA's efforts. Harvard's pyramid makes a number of key improvements and distinctions compared to the USDA's recommendations. First, not only are there distinctions made between whole grains and refined grains, the quantity of refined grains is significantly reduced. The same thing goes for red meat and processed meats. They are separated from fish and poultry, and recommended to be eaten sparingly.
Harvard's pyramid also consists of sections on healthy oils, nuts, and seeds, distinguishing between healthy (unsaturated) and unhealthy (saturated) fats. Their research suggests either a lower amount of dairy, compared to the USDA's version, at 1-2 portions each day or supplementation with vitamin D and calcium. A multivitamin and daily exercise are also important pieces to the overall philosophy.
I believe these new nutritional guidelines provide a substantial improvement to the government's pyramid and MyPlate. The food industry lobby seemed to have little influence over Harvard's researchers, resulting in an unbiased and research-based approach. I wholeheartedly recommend learning more about these nutritional recommendations to make positive changes to your health.
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.
Thankfully, I came across a better way. It's called the Healthy Eating Pyramid, created by Harvard University based on legitimate nutritional research without influence from the food industry lobby, something that cannot be said for the USDA's efforts. Harvard's pyramid makes a number of key improvements and distinctions compared to the USDA's recommendations. First, not only are there distinctions made between whole grains and refined grains, the quantity of refined grains is significantly reduced. The same thing goes for red meat and processed meats. They are separated from fish and poultry, and recommended to be eaten sparingly.
Harvard's pyramid also consists of sections on healthy oils, nuts, and seeds, distinguishing between healthy (unsaturated) and unhealthy (saturated) fats. Their research suggests either a lower amount of dairy, compared to the USDA's version, at 1-2 portions each day or supplementation with vitamin D and calcium. A multivitamin and daily exercise are also important pieces to the overall philosophy.
I believe these new nutritional guidelines provide a substantial improvement to the government's pyramid and MyPlate. The food industry lobby seemed to have little influence over Harvard's researchers, resulting in an unbiased and research-based approach. I wholeheartedly recommend learning more about these nutritional recommendations to make positive changes to your health.
About the Author:
If you would like to learn to eat healthier, please see my webpage at FDA why are processed foods bad or why are artificial sweeteners bad for you
No comments :
Post a Comment