MyPlate. Alternatives.

Well the US Food Powers have finally unveiled the much hyped $2 million replacement to the confusing My Pyramid – called My Plate (“after all we eat off a plate not a pyramid”)

But wait – Americans don’t use plate anymore The Colbert Report http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/388585/june-06-2011/obama-administration-replaces-food-pyramid

Update- Humour insert: go read Tom Naughton ‘Fat Head’s:  “The USDA Explains ‘My Plate’”

So simple- this is all you need to do (if you can’t spot the holes in this – skip to the end of this post)

Every one who has anything to do with food or thinks they know better, has given their opinion of the PLATE. (If you’re really interested – google it)

I’ve seen a few alternatives to MyPlate pop up via twitter, so I had a hunt around to see what I could find. Some are serious and some fun. Many reflect the dogma (food religion or belief). Science – only one IMO (see the last entry)

Vegan: Boringly predictable Vegan MyPlate reflects the “power plate” dogma from PCRM, where they state: “These four food groups provide the good nutrition you need. There is no need for animal-derived products in the diet, and you’re better off without them. Be sure to include a reliable source of vitamin B12, such as any common multiple vitamin or fortified foods.” (So tell me – how is this healthy when supplements are critical?)

Vegan Nutritionist Dr Bernard says:

“The protein portion of the USDA’s MyPlate is unnecessary, because beans, whole grains, and vegetables are loaded with it.”

Nonsense, beans and grains and vegetables are very poor sources of protein, grains and legumes are loaded with gut damaging anti-nutrients.

He continues “And it is a shame that MyPlate reserves a special place for dairy products, which are packed with fat and cholesterol and may increase the risk of health problems ranging from asthma to some types of cancer. There are many more healthful sources of calcium.”

Actually this I agree that dairy is a problem – it is growth promoter and is insulinogenic. Milk protein is linked with asthma, eczema and other health problems. Many people cannot digest lactose (milk carbohydrate). Every mammal on the planet has strong bones and none drink cows milk. Cholesterol  and saturated fats however pose no problem, we need cholesterol for brain health, hormones like testosterone and proper functioning of cell membranes.

Plant based diet MyPlate. I like this one, from “This is not a diet, it’s my life”  and is based on this quote from Michael Pollan “Eat Food, Not Too Much, Mostly Plants.” Actually this could easily be MY paleo plate if the “other” was made of healthy fats, meat and seafood, and the plants were vegetables and fruit only. I do like the wine and chocolate addition.

Basic Paleo MyPlate from Fitbomb.com (couldn’t get simpler than this, although I would cut the animals part down and increase the plants – I don’t find personally a high meat and fat diet works for me)

 “Comfort me with offal” There. That looks better.from Ruth Bordain

And in the style of Richard Nikoley Free the Animal.com from @SDbaconCarroll The ultimate MyPlate (all you’ll ever need)

Real Food (As simple as you can get)=

Real Protein foods: Real creatures fed real food – Meat, including all parts of an animal, fish and seafood (especially oily) and eggs (and anything else you care to eat, grubs, insects, etc…)

Real Carbohydrate foods: fruit and vegetables, fresh from plants in the ground, not processed.

Real fats: Fish and seafood oils (omega 3), grass fed and wild meat fats (crack open some bones), plant fats and fresh pressed high monounsaturated plant oils; olive, macadamia, avocado, coconut.

Read this – it’s interesting: The History of the Food Pyramid from the Washington Post