Back in 1992 our USDA structured a healthy eating guide called the food pyramid. At the base of this guide, the largest daily portions of the foods they wanted us to consume derived from grains and starches or simply carbohydrates. Now, if we understand the function of a carbohydrate in relationship to our body we then understand that no matter what the source is, it all ends up to be the same thing in the end (sugar). So, why would our very own trusted resource structure our pyramid guide in this manner? Could it have been to stimulate the grain market? I think you may be on to something. You see, it had nothing to do with the health and wellbeing of our society; it was set up as a stimulus for Big Agribusiness and our Processed Food Giants.
In 2005, after years of pressure and continued failed attempts to curb heart disease and slow the escalading obesity rate, the USDA took a revisit to our healthy eating guide to restructured it. The 2005 guide was yet another ill attempted to show us what proper nutrition should look like. They lowered the total recommended daily calorie intake from 2000/day to 1800/day and added physical activity thinking that was going to make the difference. The guide had changed in appearance ‘somewhat’ but the message was still the same; eat lots of carbohydrates and minimal quality proteins. They even added a small section recommending that healthy fats should come from (corn oil, soybean oil, and canola oil) 3 of the 9 genetically modified crops in our Country today. Hhmm, makes me step back and wonder!
Finally in 2011, realizing the fatal flaws of our governmental attempts to try to fix a problem that had clearly gotten out of hand and was now a run-a-way train, the USDA tried again to revise our healthy eating guide. This time they changed the food pyramid to a plate shaped icon illustrating in 4 sections what a healthy plate should look like. The plate itself does represent a more logical eating approach yet lacks the detail and education clearly needed so people not only know how to follow it but why.
Look, it’s simple, all foods fall into 2 categories (Building Material) and (Energy) if you take in too much energy (fuel) without ample building material you are going to gain weight and have all the health problems and risks factors that go along with it.
So let me make your guide as simple as I can to ease the confusion every time our government comes up with a new idea on how they think we’re supposed to eat. Protein is the (building material) or what I refer to as the building blocks of life, it is important in the production of enzymes, hormones and body chemicals as well the building structure of our bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. Carbohydrates and Fats are simply just sources of energy or (fuel). It is absolutely essential that you take in plenty of material to continue building and repairing but only need enough fuel to get the job done. If you are overweight or wanting to lose weight and become healthier you need to keep your building material (protein consumption) adequate while lowering your energy supply (fuel consumption) it’s just that simple.
Below exemplifies a great daily food break-down ratio to get this job done right and efficiently:
- 40% Lean quality complete protein sources
- 30% Healthy and Natural occurring fats
- 30% Unrefined, HIGH fiber grains and cruciferous and high leafy green vegetable
Add two ½ cup serving of mixed berries of your choice per day and you have the recipe for YOUR PERFECT WEIGHT and OPTIMAL HEALTH.
Tony’s food guide made easy!
