Food Pyramid: It's Time To Say Good Riddance
The US Govt has announced new nutritional guidelines that will supercede the current carb-heavy food pyramid. According to Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson:
"Do you want to look better? Yes. Do you want to feel better? Yes," Thompson said. "You lower your calorie intake, you lower your fats, your carbs. You eat more fruits and vegetables, more whole grains and you exercise.
Du-uh - I wonder how much taxpayers money went into that astounding discovery?
There isn't any mention of eating processed foods there (as opposed to the carb-based Food Pyramid) - I wonder how the food industry will respond to that? Here's one response from the GMA (Grocery Manufacturers of America) (emphasis added):
"Eat more fruits and vegetables, eat the foods that will help you get the nutrients you need, and GMA and the food industry is providing the packaged food that will do that," she said.
Sorry - but fruits and vegetables doesn't necessarily equate with 'packaged' foods. The GMA seem to me to be the spin doctors for the food industry. This doesn't stack up well with the fast food industry either - let's see - how much fruit, vegetables or whole grains are in a Big Mac? Oh yes - there is some limp white shredded lettuce - probably accounting for about 1% of the calorie level. How nutritious.
New Dietary Recommendations Summary:
- People should eat three one-ounce servings of whole grains and five to 13 servings of fruits of vegetables;
- Limit salt to one level teaspoon and alcoholic beverages to one drink each day for women and two for men.
- Exercise 30-90 minutes per day.
Better guidelines maybe - but I fail to see how this will address current obesity problems.
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