The American Food Pyramid
Is it time to rethink the food pyramid?
Since it has been proven that there is a strong link
between nutrition and some macular diseases, like
macular degeneration, it is important to stay in
touch with the ever-changing nutritional
recommendations that are so commonly in the news
these days.
For example, some experts think
the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid is outdated? As a matter of fact, Dr.
Walter Willett, chairman of the Department of
Nutrition at Harvard University, says, "the 'Food
Pyramid' is not only outdated, it has become
misleading and should be replaced with a new
pyramid."
The 'Food Pyramid' is tremendously flawed.
It suggests that all fats are bad, all complex
carbohydrates are good, all protein sources offer
the same nutrition and dairy should be eaten in high
amounts. None of this is accurate."
 Recently, the
Wall Street Journal commented that
"With obesity reaching epidemic proportions in the
U.S., some critics say it's the government's food
pyramid that should go on a diet."
Many experts now believe that the current pyramid
emphasizes too many carbohydrates and dairy
products, shuns all fat, and has no guidance
regarding consumption of wine or prescription for
physical activity.
 The
Harvard School of Public Health recommends
exercise, weight control, and fruits and vegetables
in abundance. Judicious amounts of
monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and
limited amounts of dairy products and carbohydrates
along with
vitamins and precious little wine
complete the School's new food pyramid.
If weight loss is a personal goal, one should
make sure that a satisfied feeling at the end of the
day is a priority, limit simple sugars and, if
carbohydrates are on the menu, stick to complex
carbs. Focus on a reasonable calorie intake,
whether from carbohydrates, proteins or fats.
Develop a good exercise plan -- one that is well
balanced between quantity and quality. Don't
try to take on a physical schedule that will only
end up causing stress because of its difficulty to
maintain. Walking every day is an excellent
exercise.
Ref: Picomeso, Jan '04, Vol. 43 No.4
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