Food Pyramid…?

Based upon the most recent “Food Guide Pyramid” it is recommended that a person consumes 3 ounces of whole grain bread, cereal, crackers, rice, or pasta, a male should consume approximately 3 cups of vegetables and a female should have approximately 2 ½ cups, fruits should be consumed in the amount of approximately 2 cups for both men and women, dairy products should be consumed in the form of 3 cups, meats and bean should be consumed in portions of 5 to 6 ounces based upon age and sex, and healthy oils should be limited to 5-6 teaspoons based upon age and sex (United States Department of Agriculture, 2007).

This is very different from the food pyramid that I was taught in grade school some 25 years ago. What I recall studying was not nearly as detailed, the portion sizes were not as defined, and the details surrounding appropriate fats were not elaborated upon.  David (1991), when referring to Americans’ quest for the perfect diet, explains that there is not one solution for all of us.  Upon reviewing the Food Pyramid I am actually shocked at the quantity of consumption that is recommended and it is no surprise that we have an obesity epidemic in the nation.  Although I do agree with USDA Secretary Mike Johannes’s statement (as quoted by Krisberg) that the new food pyramid allows for more flexibility for the individual, and that following the suggestions of the USDA by making moderate dietary changes will have long term benefits for the individual, I still am surprised by the quantity of recommended consumption (Krisberg, 2005).
I personally find that a nationally recommendation for food consumption does not reflect our own personal nutritional needs, our cultural biases, our lifestyles, or our geographical locations (David, 1991). 

David, Marc (1991). Nourishing Wisdom: A Mind-Body Approach to Nutrition and Well-Being. New York: Harmony/Bell Tower.

Krisberg, K. (2005). USDA debuts new interactive food pyramid web site. Nation’s Health, 35(5), 7-7, 2/5.

United States Department of Agriculture (2007). Inside the Pyramid. Retrieved June 21, 2007 from the World Wide Web: http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/index.html

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Upon reviewing the Food Pyramid I am actually shocked at the quantity of consumption that is recommended and it is no surprise that we have an obesity epidemic in the nation.
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