The original Food Pyramid was introduced by the USDA in 1992. Based on the most current science of the time, the pyramid is updated every few years to keep up with any scientific advances in nutrition. The USDA is currently preparing to introduce an updated Pyramid in mid-2005 and is being inundated with information and requests from food industries and consumer groups, each of whom wants their interests highlighted in the new pyramid.

Development of the new food guidance system has been conducted in several phases. In the first phase, USDA gathered information through technical research, professional and public input and consumer research to update the guidance system's daily food intake patterns to meet the latest nutritional standards. The final phase includes developing an updated graphic image and educational materials that communicate in ways which consumers can easily understand and, more importantly, put into practice.

The current Food Pyramid consists of a broad base of grains - bread, cereal, rice and pasta, at 6-11 servings a day. The second level consists of 2-4 servings of fruits and 3-5 servings of vegetables, then 2-3 servings of dairy and 2-3 servings of protein - meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs and nuts on the next-to-narrowest tier. Sugars and fats top off the pyramid with the fewest servings.

The USDA wants the next version of the food pyramid to be as recognizable as the original, with easy to understand information on dietary guidelines that consumers will put to use. Surveys have shown that 80% of the public recognizes the food pyramid, but with almost 2/3 of our nation being overweight, it doesn't appear as though we are using the information.

The current food pyramid was designed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the agency responsible for promoting American agriculture. Some are suspicious of the bottom tier of the pyramid being directly related to this connection. The USDA claims that grains are the most important aspect of the pyramid; and grains are, coincidentally, their livelihood. Some argue that that connection can not be ignored.

Not surprisingly, Atkins' representatives are requesting that meat be highlighted on the new good guidance system. The Preventative Medicine Research Institute disagrees. They would prefer to see fruits and vegetables take the main tier. And the Sugar Association doesn't want to be left out either. Each food industry and consumer group wants their interests taken into account because each group earnestly believes that their diet is the key to health and should therefore be set in stone.

This makes it all the more confusing for the public. How are we to know the healthiest, most appropriate foods to consume when we have throngs of industries telling us different things?

If we can't rely on our government to provide us with the correct information for a healthy diet, then who can we rely on?

The answer is your gut.

Your gut tells you when you have not eaten correctly: indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, cramps, bloating, gas, and stomach aches. When you are not eating correctly, your gut lets you know. And if you consistently eat poorly, your body begins to deteriorate: IBS, arthritis, overweight, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, colon cancer, lack of energy, and the list goes on.

However, when you are eating correctly your body flourishes! You have plenty of energy, you experience regular bowel movements, you maintain your ideal weight, your overall mood is positive, and your immune system is strong, Good nutrition is the foundation of good health.

The Food Pyramid offers sound eating advice – focus on grains, fruits, and vegetables - although the “perfect diet” is something different for everyone. The purpose of the Pyramid is to guide consumers towards a healthy diet and, therefore, a healthy body. “Effective food guidance can help educate the public on healthy diets and lifestyles,” Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman said. The USDA wants to “present the most current nutritional science in a form that assists the public in personalizing the information so they can make healthier choices.”

When the new and improved Pyramid is released next year, we'll hopefully have a simple, easy to understand guideline for healthy eating. But remember, nobody knows your body like your body.

Listen to your gut!

Resources:

WebMD
CNN.com
CBS News
Medicinenet.com
The Food Guide Pyramid

Organic Farming and Foods
Four Reasons Why Organic is better.

What does “organic” mean?

Organic agriculture is an ecological production management system that works to promote and optimize the health of soil life, plants, animals, and people. Organic farmers use materials and practices that produce chemical-free, nutrient rich foods, plant and animal based, for the betterment of the planet. Although organic agriculture cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues, organic farming minimizes pollution from the air, the soil, and the water thus minimizing residues from the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink.

There are of course two sides to this issue, those who support organic farming and those who believe that science is paving the way for better farming options. The following practices and substances are used in non-organic farming:

GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms):

All living organisms have genes written in their DNA. They are the chemical instructions for building and maintaining life. By modifying the genes, scientists can alter the characteristics of an organism. Genetic engineering allows scientists to select a single gene for a single characteristic and transfer that stretch of DNA from one organism to another - even between different species.

Genetically modified food is produced from plants or animals which have had their genes changed in the laboratory by scientists. Critics argue that we do not know enough about the way in which genes operate and interact to be sure that these modifications will not lead to substances that are poisonous or trigger allergies. Supporters believe that genetic modification allows us to improve not only the flavor, texture and shelf-life of food but also its nutritional value. Through genetic engineering, we could boost the vitamin content of fruits and vegetables, incorporate anti-cancer substances, and reduce our exposure to the less healthy oils and fats.

Synthetic fungicides, herbicides, and pesticides:

Pesticides are intentionally toxic substances preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest. Though often misunderstood to refer only to insecticides, the term pesticide also applies to herbicides, fungicides, and various other substances used to control pests. Pesticides can cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect living organisms. However, on the flip side, pesticides can kill potential disease-causing organisms and control insects, weeds, and other pests.

Irradiation:

Food irradiation is a food safety technology that can eliminate disease-causing germs from foods. Like pasteurization of milk, and pressure cooking of canned foods, treating food with ionizing radiation can kill bacteria and parasites that would otherwise cause food borne disease. Supporters argue that irradiation can inhibit the growth of molds, inhibit sprouting, and prolong the shelf life of food. Critics argue that although irradiation may kill bacteria, it also destroys the beneficial nutrients and enzymes found in fresh food. Furthermore, critics state that the "food borne illnesses" that we are supposedly being protected from are caused by bad hygiene in food processing and irradiation merely allows these unclean processing practices to continue.

Antibiotics and Growth Hormones:

The use of antibiotics in livestock farming is used to help prevent the widespread and devastating effects of diseases in herds. In some cases, antibiotics have been added to feed to promote growth. Hormones have been fed to cattle to boost their growth rate and to increase milk production in cows. Critics argue that the antibiotics are creating diseases immune to the cures and the growth hormones are causing problems in children and adults ranging from premature growth to ADD and other health issues.

Why eat organic?

A predominantly organic diet reduces the amount of toxic chemicals ingested, completely eliminates GMOs from the diet, reduces the amount of food additives and colorings, increases the amount of beneficial vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants, and appears to have the potential to lower the incidence of common conditions such as cancer, heart disease, allergies and hyperactivity in children. In addition to the health benefits to humans, organic farming benefits the animals and farm land as well. The conditions are cleaner as the livestock are given more room to move about. These cleaner conditions enable them to live longer more natural lives. The animals are thus healthier, which eliminates the need for antibiotics and growth hormones.

Supporting organic practices creates a win-win situation. Our livestock live healthier, more natural lives, the farm land is not doused in unnatural chemicals, and humans eat healthier, more nutrient rich food.

So when given the choice to purchase organic food, go for it! You are doing your body a huge favor and you are taking steps towards creating a healthier environment for every living thing.

Resources:

Irradiation
Pesticides
Food Irradiation
Organic Consumers
Foodexperts.net
Organicconsumers.org
Certifiedorganic.com