Another Pyramid

This one was created by the folks at Harvard School of Medicine in response to the USDA's new "customized" pyramid (see yesterday's entry) because they didn't think it adequately reflected the current research.

The Harvard "Healthy Eating Pyramid" (shown above) takes a few more steps in the right direction but still remains too heavy on the grains, in my opinion, while continuing to vilify saturated fat.

BUT it is an improvement. Although whole grains take up half of the bottom rung and are recommended for "every meal," an equal weight (up to 35% of daily calories) are recommended from the so-called "good" oils. But non-plant protein sources--fish, poultry and eggs, are relegated to the bad side of the pyramid, as is dairy. They prefer a calcium supplement. At the very top of the pyramid, to "use sparingly," is red meat, butter, white rice, white bread, white pasta, potatoes, soda and other sweets.

It is irksome that they're lumping red meat and butter with sugar and white bread, though.