What's the new Food Pyramid for Seniors look like?
Q. What's the new Food Pyramid for seniors look like?
A. See for yourself! Here's the modified food pyramid for older adults, just released by the Tuft's University nutrition researchers. You can also view or download a pdf version at the Tuft's University Nutrition Institute website.
The modified pyramid is intended to supplement the food pyramid developed by the USDA to guide citizens toward healthier food choices. The new pyramid for seniors includes visual reminders of the importance of regular physical activity, drinking enough fluids, and the possibility need for supplements to prevent deficiencies of certain nutrients, including vitamin D and calcium. Researchers also tried to make the pyramid more appropriate for older adults by showing easier to prepare options such as pre-cut or frozen vegetables and dried fruits.
The real question is, do these pyramids really make diet guidelines simpler and easier to understand--especially when we start adding things like exercise as a new "food group"? I know a picture is supposed to speak a thousand words but I'm not sure this cluttered pyramid simplifies things all that much. For example, the widths of the different food groups is supposed to correspond to the recommended amount of that food group but that doesn't come through very clearly.
Personally, I think the guidelines can be communicated at least as effectively in words:
For good health, eat 2-3 servings of lean protein, 2 to 3 servings of dairy products or other calcium-rich foods, 6 to 10 servings of whole grains, 5 or more servings of highly-colored vegetables, and 2 to 3 servings of fruit every day. Keep fats and sugars to a minimum. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water and exercise daily.
What do you think?
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Posted by: Monica Reinagel | Feb 21, 2008 9:49:57 PM
Brenda, is it possible that you have edited your preference settings for calories, carbs, fats, or proteins (or all of the above)? That's the only explanation I can think of. You'll find Preferences under the Tools tab on the navigation bar. You can reset all nutrient targets to the default DVs.
Posted by: Brenda | Feb 13, 2008 4:26:52 PM
How can the total consumption tool say I have consumed 80% of my daily calories, 140% of my carbs, 160% of my protein, and 125% of my fat? Where should I get the rest of my calories (alcohol :-) )?
Posted by: Jimmy Clark | Jan 23, 2008 3:47:25 AM
This is my first time on this blog and I really like the content ; ) Have you guys checked out thedailyskinny.com yet? It's mainly for healthy weight loss, but they also get into some great nutrition and exercise advice.
Posted by: amemebix | Jan 14, 2008 11:10:03 PM
Keeping fat to a minimum, isn't that a bit drastic? I hope you don't mean omiting it, as it is essential to gaining fat soluble vitamins, to brain functioning and preventing heart disease.
Posted by: Monica Reinagel | Jan 1, 2008 10:44:14 AM
YC,
six to ten servings of whole grains may seem like a lot but not when you consider that a serving equals about 100 calories. One piece of whole grain bread, for example, a half cup of brown rice, or a bowl of oatmeal. Six to ten servings equals 600 to 1000 calories, which is going to be somewhere between 40 and 60% of your total calories. (Many people would consider that to be on the low side for carbs). The trick is to avoid getting too many calories from refined carbohydrates.
Posted by: YC | Dec 29, 2007 6:26:30 PM
6 to 10 servings of whole grains??? a day???
Really a recipe for getting fat, isn't it?
Posted by: vtaylor | Dec 29, 2007 10:15:38 AM
I agree - the clutter in the picture is very confusing. Your summary is better.
For the Senior Healthy Eating workshops I teach, I simplified it even more.
3x5 - five servings each of (1) meat and dairy (2) fruit and vegetables (3) whole grains + 6-8 glasses of water and moderate exercise.
Following up with the Seniors, they really like this simpler version. They eat about the same amount, but better balanced. Each of their "servings" were about 100 calories. Most included an additional treat such as a cookie. Some drank more tea and less water. They did really well without complicated lists of do's and don'ts. They appreciated a handy simple reminder.
