Congrats to the federal government for finally picking a symbol people can relate to. A dinner plate. I’m also glad to see the MyPlate teaches healthier choices for the diet.
But I still believe this is not a great way to get parents and children to eat better, exercise, and address their everyday stresses. We’ve had these guidelines around since 1992 and so far the Obesity Epidemic keeps getting worse. The First pyramid launched in 1992 was confusing. There is little distinction among healthy choices in the food groups. It didn’t say don’t eat wonder bread and corn chips. In fact it promoted lots of carbs, no explanation of lean protein, and what about the fact that dairy is packed with fat and cholesterol. The MyPryamid wasn’t a big improvement. It showed us the dangers of trans-fats and added exercise but no real distinction among food groups. The federal government is now spending millions like it has in the past promoting the plate. I give kudos to Michelle Obama for pushing healthier eating and prevention and targeting children in her message but I’m not sure all that money will make a difference. If parents don’t learn to eat better and teach their children good eating habits, a plate will not do the trick. The MyPlate shows, make half your meal fruits and veggies. The other half whole grains and proteins. I’m not sure why it bothered to have a small circle with dairy.
Plenty of countries around the world don’t use dairy in their diets and their babies are healthy and they do not have higher rates of osteoporosis. Dairy is packed with hormones, as well as fat. The Myplate does say less, sodium, more water, portion control and balance your calories. Good. But let’s teach kids leafy greens not peas and corn are the good veggies. Certain fruits have less sugar and less acidity. Whole grains don’t include starchy breads, and sugar cereals.