The 1992 Food Pyramid

The 2005 Pyramid Chart

These Food pyramids just do not work in my opinion, which is why the government is always creating a new one. In fact, yet another food pyramid was just released Thursday June 30th, 2011. Take a look at it.  Michelle Obama revealed the new design, MyPlate, last Thursday and boasted of its simplicity and effectiveness. It definitely is more visually comprehensive, but does it really help us make better food choices? Would this help YOU?

The new "MyPlate"

I think it is great that the government is continuing to raise food and health awareness, but I do feel like this will be another failed attempt to reduce obesity stats in our country. The motive is great but the results won’t be there.

Yes, the plate is LESS confusing than the archaic food pyramid, BUT I think MyPlate will be just as “forgettable” as all the other food pyramids.

There are some confusing aspects to it as well. For instance, The SIZE of the MyPlate is hugely important, but yet it is not addressed directly. The protein portion on the MyPlate is vague and quite frankly, really BIG looking to me. Americans, in general, eat too much protein as it is. Not to mention, that there is a separate glass for dairy, which has plenty of protein in it too.

Also, I know how misleading the word “grains” can be. Many people could not even list more than 3 or 4 types of grain off the top of their head. In addition, many people will consider a white dinner roll or white flaky biscuit as their grain at dinner, which is awful for you.

I do not want to give the impression of being AGAINST the MyPlate. I do, in fact, believe that MyPlate does convey some basic and essential eating guidelines, YET I believe it will fail to be put into practice by the general public. I feel like the 2 million dollars spent going into MyPlate project could have been spent in a more effective way. In my opinion, people would benefit WAY more by having one consultation with a registered dietician about how and what they should eat.

Yet, any step towards health awareness is a GOOD step. I look forward to the additional phases of the MyPlate that are going to be unveiled over the year. I hope they bring people to a better understanding of how and what to eat.

You can go to www.ChooseMyPlate.com to get more information.

Also, check out my helpful NUTRITION TIPS.