The USDA Food Pyramid: in dire need of a redo

by Brian White (Subscribe to Brian White's posts)
Dec 10th 2007 11:31AM

Something that has never set on a good footing with me is the USDA's Food Pyramid. The preponderance of meat and dairy about much more important types of nutrition almost tells how the beef and dairy industries lobby for placement rather than what is actually better for consumers in terms of nutrition needs.

From kids to adults, finding the truth about what is the best for your healthy nutrition needs is a never-ending exercise in some cases, but it can be done.

The dietary needs of the normal human body are pretty straightforward (if you can wade through the muck), and this essay explains in detail (PDF download) why a change from the USDA would be welcome by those that really understand human nutrition as opposed to special interests based on outmoded concepts.

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marcie0305 12-10-2007 @ 9:30PM

Hi there - I am posting a shorter abstract of my essay:

The familiar Food Guide Pyramid and the newer MyPyramid from the United States Department of Agriculture are widely used graphical representations of what the government agency deems to be appropriate proportions of different kinds of foods for the American public. These icons are used to educate people, including children, on what they should be eating. The International community and press also frequently reference this source. This paper examines the flaws in the old and new food pyramids by investigating scientific research, including that which the Pyramid’s critics use to back up their claims, and explores the reasons why the government agency is seemingly ignoring the science. In addition, this paper proposes a new “food continuum” as a better way to graphically represent the dietary needs of the human body in a way that is easy to understand for the unhealthiest segment of our population: the poor.

http://feedingblackmail.blogspot.com/2007/12/flaws-in-international-nutrition-icon.html

If anyone has any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me directly.

Thanks, Brian, for making light of this issue! I think it is important for Americans (and the rest of the globe) to take a big grain of salt with what the government and corporations' marketing efforts tell us what to consume.

:)
~Marcie