Ask about the food pyramid

How relevant are food pyramids these days? I can’t figure out what the accepted guidelines are any more – there’s the Mediterranean food pyramid and then the one from school. I’m confused.

Many nutrition experts find the traditional food pyramid simplistic and out of date. The biggest problem with the old food pyramid is that it doesn’t take into account the fact that some fats are healthy and some carbohydrates are unhealthy. It also doesn’t take into account healthy activity or fitness.

We are eating a very different diet these days, so it would be difficult to determine where some common foods such a muesli bar would rank on a pyramid. Personally, I prefer the Harvard School of Public Health’s version of a new food pyramid. Its foundation is daily exercise and weight control, since these two related elements strongly influence your chances of staying healthy. It also promotes a plant based diet, whole grains, good protein choices and sensible supplementation. Dr. Willett, the author from Harvard School of Public Health says that the same healthy diet could work for everyone and is confident that his Healthy Eating Pyramid is the most accurate general pyramid yet issued. He hopes that the USDA will eventually take action to update the Food Guide Pyramid. "They will have to recognise critical differences in carbohydrates, fats, and protein sources," he says. "Unfortunately, there's a huge amount of inertia. Committees have been saying 'no fat' for so long, it's hard for them to change."

You can view the new pyramid here. www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource

TRY OUR NEW KICKSTART PROGRAM ONLY $299

Whether you’d like to feel better, lose weight, get super-fit or just want some honest answers on the ins and outs of a healthy diet, Real Nutrition’s Kick-Start Programme is the way to go. With an initial induction session and four follow-up sessions you will be inspired, feel motivated and have a more positive attitude towards taking control of your health and happiness. Chat to a Real Nutrition consultant today and kick-start your life! Phone 09 4760011 or contact us here