Today I learned...

[Kraco]

They do seem to have removed protein surprisingly much from that new one. Well, it's not like a normal human would need huge amounts of protein at all meals unless you are still a growing kid, a bodybuilder, or regenerating a new arm to replace a lost one, but it's still a bit surprising, though it does correlate with the reduction of meat and dairy products, since those are major protein sources.

And no, Xelbair, they don't create these to try to affect the sales of specific products, though I can guarantee they would be very happy if the general sales of vegetables actually did rise...

[David75]

When you take a look at the pyramid, you understand it's influenced by studies made on the mediteranean meals.

The first one would be only slightly influenced by the Okinawaïn meals.

Thing is, all of this is almost bullshit.

No one know for sure how a population will react to a change in the ways of eating, in the long term.
It's not because we study what the eldest of today eat, and try to apply that to younger generations, we'll reduce health problems.

There are too many variables to take into account, those of the past: those elders were probably gifted in their genes, they evaded most of the threats of their time etc...
And there are variables in the future:
What is the impact of pesticides, pollution etc?

The problem with those pyramids is that they create a profile and if there's a major flaw in that profile, you're screwed!
Also, even a very small error becomes a huge threat in 20-40 or 60 years.

What should we do then?
Well be more open with what we eat and try many things.
Lots of variety
We have also on a personal level to try to understand what is good for us and what isn't.
For example I can't have lots of olive oil I do not digest well... I can't have milk based products, peppers etc, things other people will eat with no problems at all.

The other aspect is pleasure.
I don't care if my way of eating is to kill me in the end, if it's a quick and painless death that is.
But since I eat 3 times a day, I want it to be an enjoyable experience. So I try to educate my tastes by trying lots of things, colors etc.
Opening a box, press a button and eat isn't my way of doing things.
Sauces, salt, etc?
When you learn using less of them, at first it's strange, then you start to be more demanding in the quality of the products you buy, even if it means less... and you start enjoying their real taste.
Also, there are countless combinations of herbs and products that do not even need "artificial" elements to be added to be good.

It's a long process, but a nice one. Also it helps if the one sharing your life is good at cooking

[XanBcoo]

"Good food" isn't necessarily bad for you anyway: http://www.gourmetnutrition.com/

I'm thinking about buying this book. It's a collaboration effort between Dr. John Berardi (a famous nutritionist and bodybuilder) and some gourmet chef. I read enough about nutrition, so I trust their opinion over a pyramid's any day.

I am happy that the new pyramid got rid of the 6-11 servings of carbohydrates a day though. Oh yeahhh, lots of pasta and rice for dinner. So healthy.