Pyramid to Plate: My Thoughts on New Eating Guidelines

A few weeks ago I thought about writing a post about "what our plate should look like while at a barbecue" to help keep us balanced and on track as we're out having fun this summer. Today, as I sat down to write the post, it was as if the world did it for me. The Obama Administrations released the new USDA food guidelines. 

The pyramid has been replaced with a plate and I think it's a brilliant idea. When I thought about my first idea, I wanted to emphasize the importance of stocking up on fruits and vegetables while eating away from your home (and in your home, too, of course). While eating out at barbecues and summer parties you can never really be sure what is going into the sauces, salads and side dishes. Most summer salads are full of mayonnaise and oils. Side dishes can often be smothered in butter. Sauces are usually bottled and have high fructose corn syrup as the first ingredient listed. 

With that said, the new guidelines say that half of our meals should be fruits and vegetables. The other half is split evenly between protein and grains and there is a small "side" portion of dairy. This is very different than the original pyramid. The bottom layer of the pyramid (the area we are suppose to consume the most) is grains, breads and cereals not fruits and vegetables. I think that this proportion is way more realistic and a healthier approach. Imagine your BBQ plate with a green salad, side of watermelon, a chicken breast and roll. It sounds like the perfect meal, and is incredibly balanced. 

Personally, I feel much better when my diet is stocked with high fiber vegetables, fresh fruits and high quality proteins, with less dairy and complex carbs. This is especially true in the summer. I try to take full advantage of the fresh fruits and vegetables available. 

I think this plate diagram is going to be a huge success. It's much easier to read and understand than the pyramid. Even I, someone who is obsessed with food, would get a little overwhelmed just looking at it. I hope that this plate approach is viewed by many and tackled on by all. It's not difficult to have a balanced plate and I can promise anyone that does, doesn't regret it! 

To learn more about the new guidelines, visit ChooseMyPlate.gov. 

Picture Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/02/us-usa-food-usda-idUSTRE7514AC20110602