The food pyramid has just been updated by Nutrition Australia which shows that we are evolving away from the views we once had regarding health and nutrition. One of the most iconic pyramids – outside of Egypt – the Food pyramid has finally been updated. The last update was close to two decades ago with the new version completely eliminating junk foods. Previously, it suggested that junk foods, fats and sugars could be eaten in moderation and were at the top of the pyramid.
But these have been completely removed as it was thought that it was bad to encourage people that these foods were ok. Especially to young children where the food pyramid is regularly used for education.
Previously the food pyramid had fiver sections, but the new update has broken it up to three sections, with the plant based food taking up the biggest room, while fruits, vegetables and legumes fill the remaining bottom level.
It’s also interesting to note that they are encouraging people to replace salt with healthy spices and herbs. And the big one – to drink more water.
The updated design of the food pyramid is effective for reach children, and people with low literacy levels, due to it visually communicating each food group that is necessary for a balanced diet. With evolving food habits of every day Australians, as well as the temptation of fast food and processed junk in supermarkets, it was clearly time for a change.
“It’s all about legumes, beans, tofu and soy milk now”, says Nutrition Australia chief executive Lucinda Hancock.
These changes have been made to try and fight the obesity epidemic that is taking over the nation. With about 65 per cent of adults over the age of 18 classified as overweight or obese – and with a staggering 25 per cent considered severely obese.
Australian children are sitting around the 23 per cent mark which is still very disturbing. Hopefully education with the new food pyramid will go some where to opening people’s eyes about the dangers of poor nutrition.