My Plate

Turns out there is this snazzy new graphic the USDA has released that will help us all find the true path to health. Their new My Plate campaign is replacing the food pyramid and is expected to really make a dent in our unhealthy, overweight society. *snort*

So, lets take a look at what cost roughly $2 million tax-payer dollars to create and market:

So how is this different from the pyramid, aside from the obvious shape? Oh. That’s right. They’ve dumbed it down because the pyramid was just too confusing. *eyeroll* You’ll notice over half our plate should be grains and veggies, proteins and fruits being more of a side dish kind of thing. And don’t forget your little bit of dairy – fat-free of course.

It’s really the same tired guidelines with a shiny new wrapper. This graphic is just less specific. When you go to the corresponding website you’ll find general recommendations on each section. Or, for kicks, you can get your own personalized guidelines based on your height and weight. Oh Joy!

Looking the plate over, I decided to try making one for myself. Turns out it wasn’t too hard, nor did it cost me millions.

Follow the rainbow to the pot o' bacon!

I’ve shared it with some friends and it stirred up a little controversy. They say we can’t live on bacon alone… we also need cheese. I explained that cheese falls into the “everything else” category. C’mon, I love cheese, but it’s not bacon.

All kidding aside, I think people are slowly coming to realize that despite what the USDA says, increasing natural fats, while decreasing grains and sugar, will give us the best results possible. The media is finally starting to catch up with the science. I’m inspired and encouraged by the strides I see being made in the low-carb movement. Our progress isn’t perfect, but it’s still progress.

Bacon anyone?