Most American children learned about the “food pyramid” in school and it was often used as a guide for our school lunch programs. Since the 1950s, the food pyramid has been heavily weighted at the bottom with all things starch and white (pasta, bread, rice, grains, etc.). The level above, though smaller, noted the portions for vegetables and fruit. Above that, in an even smaller section, housed dairy, meat, fish, and eggs, only to be followed by the top section for fats. 

So, let’s continue to use this pyramid but turn it upside down and add a sight modification! 

At the bottom of our pyramid should be a non-food foundation of exercise and weight management. Resting above that section should be fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains. Atop that level is the tier for protein in the form of fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, beans, and tofu. In limited quantities are dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. At the very apex of the pyramid is red meat and refined grains such as bread, pasta, rice, sweets, and butter.

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is one step worse than our 1950’s pyramid, if you can imagine. 

Why? 

Because our SAD is composed of excess sodium, saturated fat, refined grains, processed foods, and calories from solid fats and added sugar, with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean protein greatly lacking. Add to that the high consumption of convenient, highly-processed meat like bacon and deli meat, fried foods, and sugary sodas, and we are left with a country of incredibly unhealthy, often clinically obese, Americans with a slew of health problems including type 2 diabetes.

When we go to the cafeteria, as we so often do over the course of our lives, our food choices have been chicken tenders, French fries, pizza, hamburgers, various sandwiches, pasta, and grilled cheese. These are fast, easy foods to prepare, let alone for hundreds of students at a time. 

It is no wonder that seriously unhealthy foods are offered in schools. But in 2011, the USDA’s My Plate replaced the outdated food pyramid. MyPlate claims that half of one’s food plate should consist of fruits and vegetables, a quarter should come from lean proteins, and another quarter should consist of grains, with a serving of low-fat dairy on the side. Take a moment to consider; is this what your plate looks like at lunch?

So, what can you do? 

We can raise awareness and try to implement better, healthier food choices at our school. Until then, we can bring a side salad or some fruit and vegetables from home, or choose to eat the produce offered in the cafeteria. Choose whole grains for your sandwiches or brown rice with your meal. We can watch out for added sugars in dressings, sodas, and crackers, and we can say no to fried foods that have no nutritional value whatsoever. 

Don’t be scared of food! Choose clean, earth-grown ingredients as much as reasonably possible and your body will take care of you. You only get one body in this lifetime so keep it healthy and away from the threat of insulin resistance or diabetes. 

Take a bite out of health, Normans!