Remember the food pyramid chart that was tacked up to the elementary school cafeteria wall?
It was intended to remind everyone about the kind of foods that should be part of the daily diet, and the amounts of each type to be consumed when compared to other food groups. It was the same chart that spawned jokes about the chocolate cake group and ice cream food group.
Later the food pyramid was turned on its head to be displayed pointy-side down. Then came a little walking figure climbing a set of food pyramid stairs. It was all too confusing.
Now, the US Government is trying a new approach, tossing out the ancient pyramids for a simple dinner plate with a side dish. From its streamlined graphic design, it is a wonder the experts needed a pyramid to begin with.
Confusing is out.
The new design, released Thursday by the Obama administration, is an icon-type dinner plate that has the appearance of a computer screen application-starter or smart-phone touch spot. The image has colored areas depicting the food groups and the proportional sizes of servings.
First Lady Michelle Obama appeared at the Department of Agriculture unveiling, asking “When it comes to eating, what’s more useful than a plate?” The redesign is part of the president’s push to encourage healthier eating habits by Americans.
Schools will begin incorporating the new guide immediately, and praise from the food industry has come even more quickly. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says lean beef will meet the protein recommendation, and grain industry leaders were happy about the suggested increase in grain consumption.
The ice cream food group people have not been heard from, as yet.
