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Just recently, the USDA released it's new food guidelines called 'My Plate' (go to ChooseMyFoodPlate.gov) which replaces The Food Pyramid. As quick as the new guidelines are released, there has already been an abundance of advocacy and criticism. Not to be one without an opinion, I will share the good, the bad, and the ugly of the new recommendations.
The Good
To begin, I like the new image of the the plate divided into quadrants. It's easier to understand than the pyramid. Most of the emphasis is on real food types and less on process foods. It's not much different than what most fitness professionals advocate which has been to divide your plate into 1/3's; starchy carb, fibrous carb, and lean protein. Even better, I like the emphasis that half of your food consumption is real fruits and vegetables (no pill or juice can replace fruits and vegetables).
When you go the website, you will get a description of Grains. The emphasis is on whole grains as opposed to refined grains. I like the fact that they mention quinoa, amaranth, and barley as alternatives as opposed to just wheat based products.
Overall, the website ChooseMyFoodPlate.gov is easy to navigate and has new tools for tracking food intake, exercise, and guidance for schools and parents. The message is consistent with, 'stay away from processed foods, sugary drinks, and get more exercise'. In an effort to combat obesity, I couldn't agree more.
The Bad
Though more alternatives are being mentioned in the grains category, there is still too much emphasis to consume grains. Understandably, this is supported by the USDA which is led by a gigantic food lobby. In particular, wheat grain is usually processed with added sugars, food dyes, and often contain gluten. More emphasis needs to be placed on overall health of our food which has implications not only in obesity, but behavior, digestive maladies, allergies, etc. It would also help to mention that you should purchase products with a minimum of 3 grams of fiber per serving.
As to the protein category, I appreciate the emphasis on lean proteins. However, more emphasis needs to be placed on grain and legume combinations to make complete proteins in order to get your required essential amino acids intake. This is helpful for those choosing to go more vegetarian. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, they should be either fresh or frozen, not canned.
The Ugly
Before I come across as too much of a cynic here, I want to point out that I feel that this is the best direction we have been given by the government thus far. It seems to have the interest of the public at the greatest concern versus the food lobby. By the way, when I say food lobby, I'm not talking about farmers who are selling the food as is. I'm talking about the large companies that will perpetuate products as being healthy, knowingly that the product they are selling is not (watch Super Size Me). In my opinion, the USDA should have no voice in what foods we should eat as opposed to keeping food safe and sanitary. The guidelines should be set forth by a more non-political figure such as the Surgeon General.
At the end of the day, the government will set its guidelines which I feel is fairly sound. Yet, the sound board will be shortly lived. Just as quickly as the media makes mention of the 'My Plate' program, large companies that sell crap will have the loudest voice through advertising. I just watched CNN talk about the new guidelines, and during the commercial break ads for Nutri Grain bars and Ensure pop-up misleading the public into thinking their products are "healthy".
Additionally, the latest diet craze is going to have more attention than the guidelines set forth by the government. My concern is that the message being heard will be calorie in versus calorie out when it comes to weight loss, as opposed to increase activity and eat real food (MYTH: Calorie in... Calorie Out). It's not just what we eat, it's how, when, and where we eat. If the government wants to take a more active role in preventing obesity, it must address the negative habits that Americans have across the board.
Let's Move Initiative
To end on a positive note, more than ever before I sense the government is moving in the right direction. Whether you agree with the politics of the current administration or not, I fully applaud and support Michelle Obama's initiative to prevent childhood obesity. From what I see, she not only addresses the kids, she is speaking to the parents.
Recently, I have joined The Picture of Health Foundation which is a non-profit dedicated to help the community and families take action to wipe-out childhood obesity. Join us for our first annual 5K to be held September 24th, 2011.
written by:
Kelly Huggins, A-CPT
Exercise Science, B.S.
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