New Food Pyramids

The government has disbanded the old food pyramid. Remember, food groups stacked high, with the ones we like most at the top. It showed what was previously thought the be a guide to healthy eating - lots of grains at the bottom, minimal fats and sweets on the top, and moderate helpings of vegetables, fruits, dairy products in the middle.

The new look food pyramid is a more personalized food group allocation. We are now encouraged to figure out our own calorie and exercise needs using a new government Web site (www.mypyramid.com). It's kind of fun. The individual puts in their age, sex, and how much exercise they do in a week. The end result is the perfect mix of food groups just for you. It is somewhat simplistic, and does not take into account any other personal side issues such as current medical conditions, current weight, or any other personal details.



The idea of the new look is to base daily caloric needs on 12 different models depending who you are — from the 1,000 calories for sedentary toddlers to 3,200 for teenage boys. For clinicians, the USDA has put together a pyramid anatomy to assist in reading the new pyramid and helping people to work out what their focus should be.

The pyramid follows in the wake of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released in January 2005. In a nutshell, these guidelines encourage appropriate calorie intake and exercise. The new look pyramid is an attempt to personalize it for everyone. All in all, I find it a little confusing, and way to many clicks (and I like to click). I wonder how the average person feels?

Whatever you think ... sign on ... do the math ... and Bon Appetite!
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you - it's National Physical Education Week.