Healthy Food Pyramid: What is Wrong with the USDA Food Pyramid?

Oct 17 by Joanna Verdan

Even though multiple studies from many different sources have confirmed the efficacy and healthfulness of a low carb, whole foods diet, the USDA food pyramid still does not reflect current scientific research results.

Food has always been a subject of frequent debate and lots of controversies. Cultural and emotional issues are at stake, not to mention the commercial interests of entire industries.

The fact that monetary interests have influence over the food pyramid and recommended daily portions (RDAs) is truly unfortunate.

The results of this food politics has been deteriorating health of entire populations that are now suffering with obesity, high blood sugar / diabetes, hearth disease, asthma, allergies, acne and other skin problems, high cholesterol, and various forms of cancer.

So what should my food pyramid look like?

The pyramid that you see represented in the illustration below emphasizes the consumption of fresh vegetables, greens and fruit. These food groups are the healthiest food choices for humans, and yet they are notoriously under-represented in food recommendations and our daily diets.

Healthy Food Pyramid - Diabetes Food Pyramid

What’s wrong with the USDA food pyramid?

The USDA nutritional guide is often criticized and even viewed as a joke among serious nutritionists. What makes it even more frustrating that most Americans are not even meeting its watered-down nutritional recommendations. A study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Cancer Institute demonstrated that most Americans are not eating the daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables suggested by the USDA diet guideline.

But perhaps many Americans did follow the Food Pyramid and that’s why they ended up overweight! Here is why:

The biggest bottom portion of the USDA food pyramid is occupied by grains. People are being told to consume 6-11 portions of breads, pastas, and other grain products every day. Unfortunately, most of these foods are not healthy and should be eliminated from the diet completely. What is more, since the existing food pyramid and the resulting recommended daily allowances don’t even make the distinction between the processed grains and whole grains, most people consume way too much processed carbs, such as white breads, white flour pastas, and the like.

Another big criticism is that in the USDA food pyramid, a big portion is occupied by animal protein. According to the current recommendations, we should be eating up to 6 servings per day. However, there are many experts who warn about the dangers of consuming too much of animal foods. Many of them argue that going on a vegetarian diet or as close to vegetarian is best for optimal health.

Also, people are still eating excessive amounts of meat, dairy, processed foods and refined sugars. And part of the problem is the USDA itself, which designed the pyramid to please influential food producers and the dairy industry rather than to give the American public honest advice about healthy nutrition.

For more detailed recommendations for healthy eating, read Healthy Diet Plan: How to Establish Healthy Eating Habits and Set Yourself For Success!

More reading:
A Fatally Flawed Food Guide
USDA Food Pyramid History

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