If you're currently in or once attended second grade, you'll
be familiar with the food pyramid. Well, one group thinks that old pyramid is
square. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Washington nonprofit
composed of doctors, is suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services. The two agencies, the group says, have
ignored the demand for a vegetarian alternative to MyPyramid (the official name of the pyramid). The group is saying that by failing to create an alternative the agencies are turning a blind eye to the continuing rise of obesity and diabetes rates.
The alternative PCRM has proposed is called the Power Plate.
It is a plate divided into four equal sections: fruits, grains, vegetables and
legumes. "MyPyramid is confusing," Susan Levin, PCRM's nutrition education
director argued, "and it recommends meat and dairy products despite
overwhelming evidence that these foods are unnecessary and unhealthy. Research
shows the Power Plate is a better choice, and it's simple enough that a child
could follow it." The Plate is based on a theory that plant-based foods
are the highest level of nutrients and are able to prevent chronic diseases.
Unlike MyPyramid, the Power Plate does not suggest portion sizes or any
hierarchies in the food groups. It suggests eating a variety from each
category.
MyPyramid was revised in 2005 from the old,
carbohydrate-heavy version to one that emphasized whole grains and vegetables.
They also added a stick figure climbing up the side of the pyramid so as to
suggest physical activity.
What do you think about the Power Plate? Is the golden age
of the food pyramid over?
