Have you heard the news about the Food Pyramid? Say “Good-bye” to the old pyramid.

Say “Hello” to the new version and recommendations:

(source)

The new recommendations place a larger emphasis on fresh fruits & vegetables and less on grains, protein & dairy.    There is more specific information on tips here and food groups here.  More recommendations that are listed on the site:

Balancing Calories

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Enjoy your food, but eat less.

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Avoid oversized portions.

Foods to Increase

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Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.

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Make at least half your grains whole grains.

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Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

Foods to Reduce

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Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals ― and choose the foods with lower numbers.

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Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

What does this mean for those of us that are gluten-free?  Nothing really.  My plate is typically made up of the following:

3-4 oz protein (lean meats, beans or Sunshine burger)

Large salad – 3-4 cups worth

1 cup of veggies, either roasted or steamed

Small potato (baked or sweet); quinoa, brown rice, etc

I usually eat my fruit for breakfast, snacks or dessert.  I do add fruit to my salad – either dried or cut up pears or berries.  I also add avocado and a nut/seed of sorts.

The new recommendations won’t change the way I eat.  I consider myself a pretty healthy eater.  Sure, I like my treats, but I eat way above my quota of veggies/fruits, get plenty of protein and eat a sufficient amount of grains.  I don’t eat a lot of dairy, but that has more to do with the fact that I am lactose intolerant and can’t tolerate large amounts.  So, the changes that have been made by the USDA won’t change what I do here.

Have you paid much attention in the past to the Food Pyramid?  Will this new design make any impact on the way you eat?  If so, how will it change the way you eat?