HEALTHY PYRAMID ALTERNATIVES

While most of the people are aware of the food pyramid as a guideline for healthy eating, less than 40% of Americans actually follow it.  Dr. Walter Willet has developed what he hopes will be accepted as the new food pyramid as he describe the current one as “built on shaky scientific ground.” The healthy Eating  Pyramid advises people to:

1.       Select whole grains over the highly processed carbohydrates.

2.       Choose monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats over saturated fats and avoid trans fat.

3.       Select deep green and colorful vegetables

4.       Choose protein sources such as nuts, legumes, fish, and poultry over red and processed meats.

5.       Include physical activity.

6.       De-emphasize dairy products and refined grains such as white bread and white rice.

7.       Take a daily multivitamin for insurance.

The food pyramid is released every 5 years by the USDA and is scheduled to publish the next set of dietary guidelines in February 2005.  However, since its inception in 1992, the guidelines have changed to include more current information but have not actually been revised.  It will be interesting to see if Dr. Willett’s Healthy Eating Pyramid is adopted for the new dietary guidelines.