The folks over at the Harvard School of Public Health -- led by Walter Willett -- don't think the traditional USDA food pyramid (officially known as MyPyramid) doles out the best advice.So, they proactively designed their own version -- The Healthy Eating Pyramid.
You can see a nicely drawn PDF version by clicking on the link above.
I prefer this version over the USDA's, but have a few critiques.
Although I like the inclusion of "daily exercise and weight control" at the base, I would prefer that section be titled "daily exercise and portion control."
Additionally, the "healthy fats/oils" category should place more of an emphasis on fats higher in Omega-3 (i.e: olive oil, walnuts, flaxseed) and less on ones offering very high Omega-6 levels (ie: soy and corn).
As I have discussed in the past, an improper Omega 6:Omega 3 ratio has its share of health implications.
Lastly, I strongly disagree with the inclusion of potatoes in the "eat sparingly" pyramid tip (accompanied by red meat, refined grains, sugary snacks, and salt).
It is one thing to eat potatoes in their nutritionally void skinless, deep fried version.
However, a baked potato, eaten with its skin, is a great source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium.
Clearly, current obesity and diabetes rates can not be blamed on the ingestion of healthily prepared potatoes.
Your thoughts?
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2 comments:
The potato issue is definitely confusing. While a baked potato with the skin left on is a healthy choice, the question is, how do the majority of North Americans eat their potatoes?
Hey there - I don't really know anything about the science of nutrition, so I won't state an opinion either way on the potato issue. But have you read Willett's book? Unfortunately, I think the pyramid is misleading by placing potatoes up there without an asterisk or something, but he does go into detail in Eat, Drink and Be Healthy about studies showing that potatoes cause a spike in blood sugar (I think...gah, don't have the book on me at work) in the same way that refined grains do. Again, not a scientist so I can't evaluate the merit of the studies and whatnot, but I'd suggest you check it out so you can decide if you agree.
Personally, I like potatoes a lot...but I mostly like them in less healthy ways (not crazy about the skin, like them mashed, etc), so I try to limit them. Working at HSPH as I do, it's easy to feel a bit oppressed by the pervasiveness of Willett and the Healthy Eating Pyramid, though!
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