The Nutrition Pyramid

Paper Summary:

This well-researched paper details the main components and significance of the food pyramid. The familiar pyramid is comprised of six basic food groups, which include fats, protein, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates. This paper examines the main goals of the food pyramid, which was introduced, by the USDA in 1992, as a guide for Americans to aid in weight control, while balancing their nutritional intake. This paper stresses the importance of combining a healthy diet with regular physical activity, while limiting the intake of fats, sugars and salt. This paper details what needs to be done to maintain one's current weight as well as the measures to be taken in order to lose weight. This paper delves into the growing obesity problem prevalent in America, amongst adults and children, as well as the need for increased physical activity in the school system. This paper also discusses the views of those who oppose the USDA's nutritional guidelines, such as the The Harvard School of Public Health, that contends that the food pyramid is not the best diet, for addressing and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The 2005 Food Pyramid
Balanced Intake and Physical Activity
Focus on Dairy Foods
Age, Gender, Weight and Exercise
Behavioral Change
Public Reactions
Private Businesses' Reactions
Conclusion
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"More than age, gender, weight and the amount of exercise or physical activity, the overhaul in the food guide pyramid was influenced by the need to effect that behavioral change through adequate but moderate nutritional choices, according to Hentges of the USDA. He said that this revised guide addressed most the sad fact that most Americans did not exercise regularly but had a sedentary lifestyle. It also called greater attention to concerns over trans fats and the benefits derived from whole grains. It offered more details on the amounts of calories in each group for daily intake. This revised version consisted of recommended servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat and milk, based on 12 calorie levels of 1,000 to 3,200 calories. The former food guide was based on only three levels, namely 1,600; 2,200; and 2,800 calorie levels."

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