“The idea of one-size-fits-all is a very difficult concept to make work, really impossible. We’re different,” Johanns said. “Every single American can find a pyramid that is right for them.”

new food pyramid balances diet, fitness, individuality

by Melissa Nicol

The little black triangle found on the majority of foods at our supermarkets is an expected icon to our generation, appearing on most food containers in supermarkets since 1992. Although the original Food Guide Pyramid has been a familiar dietary guide to Americans since its conception in the 1960s, few Americans have followed the recommendations, according to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. In an effort to correct this, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has created a new Food Guide Pyramid and Dietary Guidelines for Americans (a pamphlet which by law has to be updated every five years).

Alternatively, the Harvard School of Public Health states the original USDA Pyramid failed to stress the importance of healthy eating and was simply a blueprint based on shaky scientific evidence, failing to appreciably change over the years to reflect major advances in our understanding of the connection between diet and health. As a result, Harvard nutritional experts were inspired to create their own guide called the Healthy Eating Pyramid.

Both attempt to better communicate and educate an accurate nutritional message, ensuring Americans truly know how to make positive changes in their lifestyles.

The new USDA guide emphasizes controlling weight and continues to stress the importance of physical activity. In the past, all fats were considered bad. Now that we know the various types of fats that exist, intake of trans fats should be as low as possible and saturated fat should be limited. The latest advice recommends getting between 20 percent and 35 percent of daily calories from fats and recognizes the potential health benefits of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

New guidelines urge Americans to limit all carbohydrates and sugar intake and stress the benefits of consuming whole grains.

In addition to the announcement of the new pyramid, Johanns introduced his new pyramid system called MyPyramid in hopes of educating the balance of diet, physical activity and the idea of individuality to Americans. “The idea of one-size-fits-all is a very difficult concept to make work, really impossible. We’re different,” Johanns said. “Every single American can find a pyramid that is right for them.”

A child-friendly version of MyPyramid for teachers and children is being developed. This version of MyPyramid is intended to reach children 6 to 11 years old with targeted messages about the importance of making smart eating and physical activity choices. Additional information about USDA’s MyPyramid is available at www.MyPyramid.gov. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and consumer brochure are available at www.healthierus.gov/dietaryguidelines.

Melissa Nicol is communications specialist for Nationwide Health Plans. To comment on this article, e-mail info@ourohio.org

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