Why the USDA just can't get the food Pyraimd right

 The USDA’s Dietary Guidelines are going to be overhauled yet again.  The current version, called MyPyramid, is what the USDA bills as a  healthy diet, and every five years the government reevaluates what being healthy means.  Unfortunately lobbyists have traditionally had a hand in what the USDA decides to promote in its healthy dietary formula.  When the meat industry cried over suggested reductions in red meat, to lower intake of saturated fat, the government gave in by changing the wording to the industry’s liking.  An article published in the Washington Post states, “The milk lobby has expressed concerns about warnings to cut back on added sugars, lest chocolate- and strawberry-flavored milks fall from favor.” 
With obesity ranking as public health problem #1, the Dietary Guidelines are currently under more scrutiny than ever.  As the article points out, no one really reads the USDA’s suggestions, but, they have far reaching implications on school lunch programs, nutrition labels of food packages, and education materials that are available in doctors' offices and hospitals.They are very far reaching.
What is a "Healthy Diet"?
The USDA recommends following their suggestions below:

The Dietary Guidelines describe a healthy diet as one that:

• Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products;
• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and
• Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

I think a better way to go is like at Internative Nutririon such as this:

What do you think?

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Posted on October 7, 2010 by Integrative Nutrition