The Food Pyramid, first introduced to the US in 1992, just experienced a major overhaul. Why? Perhaps proper education about nutrition isn't as easy as picking out food from a colorful chart. Last month, The New England Journal of Medicine reported that childhood obesity was causing a retreat in average lifespan. That report seems to only cover part of the picture as chronic disease, such as cardiac dysfunction and Type II Diabetes have been on a steady rise in recent years. Because many people seem to be unwilling to learn how to make better lifestyle choices, it is only the toxic pharmaceutical drugs that seem to be extending the lives of these people.
Agriculture secretary Mike Johanns described the old food pyramid as being "quite familiar" to most Americans, "but few Americans follow the recommendations." The solution, found at www.mypyramid.gov, is apparently more colors and to make the bands travel downwards instead of horizontally. Yes, that counts as a solution where french fries and catsup count as two servings of vegetables in the school lunch program.
Well, some progress is better than no progress. On a positive note, the new dietary guidelines do recommend daily physical activity. If even a few people get out of their chairs because their government tells them too, these changes, and the expense of the marketing for all of this will be well-worth our tax dollars.
What is left out of these dietary guidelines is any source of education on timing of food intake. For example, how many of you are late-night eaters? Perhaps you have a bowl of cereal before bed? What do the cells do with all the extra starch and glucose as you sleep? The answer is they store it in the fat cells. If you think of a caveman, or woodland creature, bulking up before hibernation, you get the picture.
A better diet doesn't have to be entirely about sacrifice. It's more about better decisions. I'm not saying to stop eating ice cream. Consider some Wheat Germ or Grape Nuts as a toping. Both are excellent sources of dietary fiber and essential nutrients like Vitamin E, folate (folic acid), phosphorous, thiamin, zinc and magnesium. You get to have a tasty snack and sneak some nutrition through the teeth. Just don't eat it as a midnight snack!
Dave Saunders is a certified nutritional educator, wellness coach, member of the American International Association of Nutritional Education (AIANE) and author. He is also the host of a weekly, nation-wide telephone lecture on health and nutrition. For additional information, please visit http://www.glycoboy.com or http://www.glycowellness.com or email Dave at dave@glycoboy.com
Healthy eating is important for everyone, from babies to the... Read More
Most recipes end with instructions to "serve immediately." You could... Read More
Okay, before we start, let me explain the purpose of... Read More
How did we cure ourselves of many aches pains and... Read More
Hormonal changes during pregnancy, and quite normal fat gain often... Read More
Instead of Butter: Use top quality, cold pressed, extra virgin... Read More
About 12.6 million Americans currently have heart disease.1.1 million Americans... Read More
So, what is new about this that you already don't... Read More
Fiber is the part of the plant that is resistant... Read More
With new research, new products and new skin protection advice... Read More
White-spotted or yellow splotched teeth may reveal more than needed... Read More
Just as our country is currently engaged in a war... Read More
Many of us sprinkle oregano on our pizza and stews... Read More
All of my life I believed the best way to... Read More
One of the most common questions I am asked is... Read More
Vitamin EThere has been a lot of controversy about vitamin... Read More
Organic farming is the production of food using all natural... Read More
I'm sure by now you've heard all about the amazing... Read More
Food addiction isn't a problem. Pretending like you can't live... Read More
When it comes to food, we can't ignore the facts... Read More
Random thoughts taken from valuable sources, what many nutrition experts... Read More
Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry capsules are a nutritious, all-natural alternative... Read More
With summer comes more sun and with more sun comes... Read More
LIFESTYLE WELLNESS = An Adventure of Health + Vitality!Not a... Read More
During the past thirty years there has been a steadily... Read More
The word cholesterol has become synonymous with poor health. Indeed,... Read More
"What exercises can I do to ?? As fitness professional... Read More
Besides providing taste, color, and aroma, certain seasonings can also... Read More
The Benefits of SnackingYou may feel regretful about snacking, but... Read More
Nutrition is extremely important for any young person, especially an... Read More
Dr. Christine Wood, M.D, a practicing pediatrician in Encinitas, California,... Read More
One must always keep in mind that copper is not... Read More
When it comes to the topic of sports nutrition there... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
Since the beginning of time, everyday fruits have been known... Read More
You may have noticed an ever-expanding choice of oils at... Read More
Cholesterol is an essential building block of every cell in... Read More
Do you need omega 3 fatty acid in your diet?... Read More
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in... Read More
A lot of people I've talked with about health supplements... Read More
Obesity is epidemic in this country for both children and... Read More
Your magnificent machine is, in fact, a symbiotic collection of... Read More
Coq10 is also known as Coenzyme Q10.This co q10 is... Read More
There are so many topics to discuss which affect our... Read More
The research in support of dietary omega-3 fatty acids (such... Read More
You can spot a juicer a mile off at the... Read More
Do we really need a home water filter? Can't we... Read More
The story of creation begins with water. Water is an... Read More
1. Water. If you're thirsty you're already dehydrated. The majority... Read More
For some people it is really hard to give up... Read More
One of the most common questions I am asked is... Read More
What I am also going to point out is the... Read More
Question from Jack:A question from Jack, one of the subscribers... Read More
I first learned of Milk Soy Protein Intolerance (MSPI) in... Read More
You say you don't know what glyconutrients are? You are... Read More
Having a large amount of such "visceral fat" is associated... Read More
Are you worried yet about your health? Are you anxious... Read More
What is your brain made ofOver 50% of your brain... Read More
Following these simple nutrition guidelines will allow you to lose... Read More
Approximately 30 years ago, food manufacturers were competing against the... Read More
Information on potassiumWhen you read about potassium and senate document... Read More
It seems as if the health of America is failing.... Read More
How many magazines have you read where they tell you... Read More
If you're looking for a power-packed entrée or soup to... Read More
The importance of protein in a healthy diet is well... Read More
PROTEIN DEFICIENT? CHANCES ARE YOU ARE!Did you know that 9... Read More
Nutrition |