Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Goodbye Food Pyramid!

Have you heard? The food pyramid is getting taken over by a dinner plate! I read this article yesterday, published by the New York Times, and I was super excited. While I will still use the food pyramid for more detailed information about specific food groups, the dinner plate method is a more simple and effective way to teach portion control and how to make healthier choices. I've actually used this method with my own clients, and I have to say, it works!

*** And here is the new USDA's ChooseMyPlate.gov! *** <---- Check it out! It's pretty fun :)


The whole idea is to use a normal size plate to show that it's important to make half of your plate non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, etc.) and/or fruit, one-fourth of your plate grains (preferably whole) or starchy vegetables (such as sweet potatoes, corn, beans, etc), and the other fourth of your plate lean protein (3-4 ounces). There is also room for a small glass of milk to drink, or a cup of yogurt (dairy or non-dairy).



Source: iStockPhoto

I think the most important part of the message is the inclusion of the non-starchy vegetables, and the smaller portion of protein (rather than 12 ounces of steak, try 4!). This message may help people take a meal such as the one below, and replace half of the pasta with some fresh veggies; bell peppers, eggplant, mushroom, zucchini, etc.



Source: iStockPhoto

From the article;

The circular plate, which will be unveiled Thursday, is meant to give consumers a fast, easily grasped reminder of the basics of a healthy diet. It consists of four colored sections, for fruits, vegetables, grains and protein, according to several people who have been briefed on the change. Beside the plate is a smaller circle for dairy, suggesting a glass of low-fat milk or perhaps a yogurt cup.

Dr. David Kessler, a former commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, who said he had heard descriptions of the new plate, suggested that if the symbol succeeded in getting people to eat significantly more fruits and vegetables, that alone would be an achievement.

“The reality is that very few of us eat like what has been suggested” in government guidelines for healthy eating, Dr. Kessler said. “There’s a world of difference between what’s being served and what’s on that plate.”

He called the plate a major improvement over the pyramid. “It conveys the message simply in a way that we all can understand,” he said.

While the idea is to make half of your plate non-starchy vegetables and/or fruit, many dietitians (including myself) would suggest focusing more on the non-starchy vegetables, especially for purposes of weight management (simply because fruit has more sugar). So how would this method work for breakfast? This is a question I often receive from clients. Well, maybe you won't have vegetables at breakfast (unless you are like me and add pumpkin to your oats!) but breakfast is the perfect time for a nice serving of fruit, and a hearty dose of whole grains.

Instead of an all-protein breakfast....

Source: iStockPhoto

....try fruit, whole grain, and a milk or other calcium/protein source. The inclusion of the fruit or non-starchy vegetable, in my opinion, is the most important part of the meal.



Source: iStockPhoto


QUESTION: Have you heard of the plate method? What are your thoughts?



16 comments :

  1. I love this idea. I think it's so much more tangible for people. And I know this isn't for everyone, but in the spring/summer, my dad actually eats greens nearly everyday for breakfast alongside eggs. He grows them, so he'll eat them 3 times a day! They're actually not bad for breakfast, but I tend to stick to fruit just because it's quicker to grab. And sweeter.

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  2. I'm very excited about the plate. I've always found that clients get confused when trying to translate the food guide pyramid into their meals but they understood when I talked about dividing up their own dinner plates. I'm very excited for the unveiling!

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  3. Awesome!!! I am so excited about this---the pyramid is good in theory, but in practical application with real people, it seems to complicate things.

    Thanks for the explanation...I'll be really excited to read more about it and start using it with clients too.

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  4. I am really excited about the change. The last pyramid was terrible!

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  5. I can't keep up with so amny changes! Glad you expalined this more thoroughly

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  6. I just heard about it now. I was never interested or follow the food pyramid anyway but I know that veggies must be the largest part of anyone's diet, followed by whole grains, protein and healthy fat. I try to do that but don't follow any specific serving sizes because I think everyone is different.

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  7. I definitely agree that 12 oz of steak is a LOT! Maybe every once in a while, but not in the dinner rotation ;)

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  8. Sounds like a good idea. I hope people will be able to relate to a small plate much more and really be able to realize what a "real" portion looks like. I think we have been desensitized to true portion size for way too long.

    Also, I like the focus on vegetables (I agree, it should be more vegetables than fruits). Looking forward what they'll unveil tomorrow!

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  9. The plate method definitely seems to make a lot more sense than the pyramid so I'm glad they are switching it. I remember learning about the food pyramid in 6th grade and being like... what?!

    Overall I'm a healthier eater, but I should work on my non-starchy veggies. I tend to me more like small amount of veggies, lots of starch, little protein haha.

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  10. i feeel like 12oz of steak seems like an INSANE amount of meat hahaha idk why i'm sure people eat it on the daily but just the sound of it sounds enormous!

    i love the plate method! i feel like it's very easy for people to understand and have a visual of what a good healthy plate should look like!

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  11. This is much better idea than the previous food pyramid, but I hope they also include ways for people to customize this plan...for example, athletes need for carbs, etc. Or would that just complicate everything?

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  12. excited to see it unveiled/ don't think I'll get to hear it live though. I hate pyramid/never use so curious about this.

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  13. very, very psyched about the plate method!! So much more logical and easier for people to understand...

    P.S. Blueberries, kefir, and flax cereal for breakfast - thought of you as I fixed my bowl! :-)

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  14. I love the plate method - but I did like the stair steps from the last one to symbolize activity, too :)
    I'll have to read up more on the new one!

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  15. I think the plate is a big improvement over the pyramid. Now all I have to do is keep reminding myself that these are just guidelines and not the absolute way all American's should eat...;-)

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  16. So many of us respond well to visual cues and this just might be a huge help to some people who have trouble with portion size more so than choosing healthy foods.

    On a separate note, it's been a while since I checked in. Hope you're doing well.

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