The U.S. food pyramid, a set of nutrition guidelines explaining how to eat a balanced diet, was remodeled in January, the first revision in over a decade. The new pyramid warns against processed foods and added sugars, and recommends prioritizing meat and dairy consumption. These changes aim to encourage people to eat “whole, nutrient-dense foods.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of health and human services, suggests having several servings of meat and dairy per day, avoiding processed foods and sugars, and increasing vegetable and fruit intake.
The food pyramid was created originally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1992. According to the USDA, the new pyramid’s changes are due to the national rise of diet-related chronic diseases. Mr. Kennedy explained that the pyramid’s changes aim to send the message, “eat real food” and are part of the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative.
Daniel Dyra, a P.E. and health teacher, says he monitors his meat and dairy intake closely.
“It is not according to the best practices that we consume large amounts of dairy and meat,” Mr. Dyra said.
In contrast to Mr. Dyra’s practices, meat is positioned at the top of the new pyramid, signaling that it should be a primary component of meals.
While consuming meat can provide necessary proteins, high levels of saturated fat found in meat has long been linked to heart disease. Countless studies have shown that long-term, excessive consumption of meat, particularly if processed, create risks for elevated cholesterol levels and possibly heart disease.
“If you grew up in the ’60s, ’70s or ’80s,” Mr. Dyra said, “we had bad advice, considering that meat and dairy would be 80% of our diet and fruit and vegetables would be 20%. That script should be flipped.”
Sophomore Skylar Murphy shared Mr. Dyra’s surprise at the pyramid’s emphasis on meat.
“I think, for people who don’t like to eat meat,” Skylar said, “that diet is very difficult, and the pyramid will make them feel that they’re not healthy.”
She also particularly noticed the lowered placement of whole grains — an additional, surprising change. Whole grains, though less nutrient-dense than other foods, are a valuable source of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.
“I think the pyramid promotes the idea that grains aren’t healthy when in reality they’re an important part of the diet,” Skylar said.
Like most other students, Skylar was confused at the news of the redesigned pyramid, and didn’t feel that it seemed entirely accurate.
“The pyramid presents misinformation for people who might take it at face value,” Skylar said.
