The Low Carb Food Pyramid

September 18, 12:30 PMDenver Low Carb ExaminerLinda Duffy

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Low Carb Food Pyramid

When the food pyramid was introduced in 90's, it provided a simple graphic to represent existing USDA food recommendations. It promoted basing the diet on grains and starches while limiting fat consumption and did not differentiate between unhealthy trans fats and healthy natural fats. While it was seriously flawed, it was at least somewhat understandable.

The government has now changed the old food pyramid to the My Pyramid Guide which is basically the same old pyramid turned on its side.  It recommends low fat and fat-free dairy items. It does make an attempt to make adjustments for different ages, and differentiates between refined and whole grains, but it is still a starch and carbohydrate based food plan.

The pyramid graphic, even though it has been misused, is a good concept. It gives people a quick visual cue as to how a diet should be structured. While it does not go in to great detail, it is a good starting point and an excellent visual reminder. That's why I had such a good laugh when BlueSojrn, a low carb forum member, took it upon herself to create her own low carb/high fat pyramid.

Now THIS is a food pyramid that can actually help you lose weight instead of making you LOOK like a pyramid like the old government pyramid will.