Controversy of the Food Pyramid

Controversy of the Food Pyramid

This 1992 food pyramid diagram can still be found on much of the food packaging in the United States

To many nutritional experts (eg Walter Willett), the 1992 food pyramid did not reflect the latest research on dietetics.Certain dietary choices that have been linked to heart disease, such as three cups of whole milk and an 8 oz. serving of hamburger daily, were technically permitted under the food pyramid.
The major points of criticism have been the food pyramid's lack of differentiation within the protein-rich group ("Meat, Poultry, Fish, Dry Beans, Eggs, and Nuts"), some lack of clarity with regard to recommended serving sizes and the pyramid's lack of emphasis on whole grains. Some of the recommended quantities for the different types of food in the old food pyramid have also come under criticism for lack of clarity. For instance, the pyramid recommends two to three servings from the protein-rich group, but this is intended to be a maximum. The food pyramid recommends two to four fruit servings, but this is intended to be the minimum. Another problem is that the food pyramid does not distinguish between whole grains and refined grains. Since some vegetarian diets tend to be based on refined grains, it can skew perceptions significantly.

The Harvard School of Public Health proposes the Healthy eating food pyramid, which includes calcium and multi-vitamin supplements as well as moderate amounts of alcohol, as an alternative to the Food Guide Pyramid.

Vegan version of the nutritional food pyramid.

Many observers believe that the Harvard pyramid follows the results of nutrition studies published in peer reviewed scientific journals more closely. Some claim that the USDA was and is unduly influenced by political pressure exerted by food production associations.
Blank Food Pyramid...