Healthy Living Food Pyramid
The Healthy Living Food Pyramid
According to this pyramid the more we move the more calories we use from the food we eat.
Now this makes sense at a baseline level for the general population. However it assumes that all movement in calorie expenditure is equal. Now this is not the case as it depends on movement efficiency as well as the level of intensity of the exercise itself.
The next level in this pyramid is what is classified as eat most. On this level we have plant based foods fruits, nuts, peas, lentils, breads and cereals. Predominately carbohydrate based foods. Along with 6 to 8 glasses of water.
Now based on the degradation of soil quality the quality of nutrients in these foods are significantly reduced from previous years. The other issue with eating more carbohydrates is that the satiety factor is also significantly reduced. As a result there is a increased risk of extra calorie consumption from not feeling full.
On the next level is what is termed eat moderately. Foods in this group include fish lean meat, eggs, chicken milk, cheese and yoghurt. Predominately foods that contain protein as the main base. Now according to the pyramid this should only make a small portion of your meals. However protein and fats also increase your satiety, as a result decreasing your calorie intake, as you feel fuller for longer.
The Final level is eat in Small Amounts. These include sugars and fats at this level. What is interesting is that it is stated, "These foods should be limited because they lack a good supply of the nutrients needed for growth, good health and quick energy." However for each gram of fat you consume you obtain 8 calories whereas with carbohydrate and protein you obtain 4 calories per 1 gram. So it is an energy dense food. Fats also contain fat-soluble vitamins that you need for basic neurological and neural functions.
Apparently according to this method of eating food, by consuming sugars and fats you will have an inadequately varied food intake. I am sure most of you can name many foods with fats and sugars in them.
It is also stated that eat most foods should make up most of the plate while the eat moderately foods should make up a third or less with next to none of the eat in small amounts foods present.
Another problem with this model is that it does not state what is a serve and how many servings one should have. So as a result people will overeat, as there are no guidelines to follow.
I recently visited a page promoting this method of eating written by a 'food coach.' Now what really surprised me was the fact that they were promoting cream filled biscuits as afternoon tea, coffee during the day and white pasta followed by cream and fruit salad a dessert at night. Now the main issue here is the loading of simple carbohydrates that provide instant energy. So if the person following this plan would have a large increase in blood glucose levels late in the day. The main issue here is that this is very closely linked to the development of Type II Diabetes as well as obesity.
It has also been shown in many research-based nutrition Journals that this model of eating is out-dated, antiquated and in need to revamp. Once again it demonstrates that not much changes when the vested interests of governing bodies impact upon the information provided to the general public.
Weight loss, weight gain is not rocket science it is keeping up to date with the research and being held accountable for your own actions and for what you put in your mouth.
