Yesterday the gov’t introduced the new food plate, doing away with the original food pyramid.
What do you think of it?
We discussed it last evening on wellness chat on Twitter.
Many feel it’s a good guideline for children and those who need nutritional coaching but yet others (myself included) don’t think we need the government telling us what we should/shouldn’t eat.
However, even if it’s taught to kids and a guideline for them, what about their parents who are realistically the ones feeding kids and running through fast food drive thru’s, etc.
Shouldn’t we really know what’s good and not good…
I mean fast food burger/fries/shake compared to fruit or quinoa, I’m pretty sure we all know which is better for us.
The other obscure point is, most people who need this information, probably don’t even know that they were doing away with the food pyramid and introducing the new plate.
So far I’ve only heard from people in the fitness, health, nutrition industry that have commented and known about this…not mainstream population (those who really need it).
The new plate information is obscure on the site to say the least. You have to really dig and click multiple links to find out more detailed information.
Oils and fats (and YES you do need those in your diet-the healthy ones that is) aren’t even on the new plate.
Nuts and beans are buried in protein now.
Dairy has it’s only little ‘side glass’ (I’m guessing the lobbyists worked hard for that).
The plate doesn’t really give guidelines to those who are vegetarian or vegan.
While it’s recommended that half of the grains consumed be whole grains, shouldn’t we be aiming for higher…closer to 100%!
It’s wonderful that half of the plate represents fruits and veggies though.
I know some will say it’s easier to grasp with a plate as an image and perhaps they hope that people will relate this to their plate but seriously, how many people actually consider their serving sizes?
We live in a time of Super Size.
So, while it’s more colorful and cute will it really make a difference?
I personally don’t think so.
So, what do YOU think of it?
Like? don’t like?
easier? don’t care?
Tell me below!
I may blog about this myself, or I may not, so here are some of my thoughts. I do think it matters. Schools will use it, daycare centers may use it, and I’m sure there will be brochures that doctors and grocery stores (etc.) may hand out. I think it’s better than the pyramid in that the image matches how you eat –filling your plate– while the pyramid didn’t. Also, the general principles are good. I agreee with you on the lobbying influence nad the details on fats, nuts, legumes, etc. All in all, I guess I think its better but not perfect. Still, I’d love my kids to learn to fill 1/2 their plates with fruits/veggies. As it is, I’m lucky if they eat half a forkful of veggies!