Food Pyramids

What Are Food Pyramids?

ToolsUsed by dieticians, nutritionists, lay publicVisual guides used to evaluate food intakeVariety of pyramids available

• Culture• Health issues• Special Interests

Not only means for nutrition assessment

Food Pyramid Shape

Pyramid BaseLarger area of pyramidRepresents foods we should consume more frequently

Pyramid TopSmall area of pyramidRepresents foods we should consume less frequently

Vegetarian Food Pyramid

Similar to old USDA food pyramidNo meatLegume, Nut, Seed and Meaat Alternative Group

Vegan Food Pyramid

No animal-based foods includedWater included

Healthy Eating Pyramid

Emphasis on whole grains, plant oils, vegetables, fruitsExercise and weight control includedMultivitamin supplementsAlcohol intakeMeat, processed grains, sweets at top of pyramid

Asian Food Pyramid

Physical activityWater, tea consumptionNo serving number recommendationsServing regularity recommendations

Daily

Optional daily

Weekly

Monthly

Latin Food Pyramid

Physical activityWater, alcohol consumptionNo serving number recommendationsServing regularity recommendations

At every mealDailyWeekly

Mediterranean Food Pyramid

Physical activityWater and wine consumptionNo serving number recommendationsServing regularity recommendations

DailyWeeklyMonthly

Healing Foods Pyramid

Food Pyramids from Specific Places

Okinawa DietItalian Food PyramidIrish Food PyramidThai Food Pyramid

Special Interest/Health Issue Pyramids

The Zone PyramidAtkins Food PyramidMayo Clinic Healthy Weight PyramidTufts Pyramid for Mature AdultsAmerican Yoga Association PyramidAnti-Aging DietAnti-Inflammatory Pyramid

Food Pyramids - Conclusions

What are commonalities among pyramids?Differences?Advantages?Disadvantages?