The Food Pyramid was updated today by the Department of Health with a clear distancing of the “top shelf” foods and drinks which are high in sugar, salt and fat. KFM Radio invited me in to discuss the new pyramid and to get my advice on how we can increase our fruit and vegetables to 5-7 per day.
Listen here
Unfortunately there wasn’t enough time to discuss everything on the Food Pyramid, so here are a few additional points I would like to make.
Fat
I’m disappointed that fats, whether good or bad are still being classed as one. These should be separated into those that are good for us and those we should avoid / reduce. Read more on the fats that are good for us here.
Calcium
While I appreciate calcium is essential for us, no provisions have been made for those who do not consume dairy – whether due to a person preference or an intolerance / allergy. Foods like almonds, figs, green leafy veg, broccoli, sesame seeds and tahini are alternative sources of calcium
Old School Foods
The Pyramid is still very old school. While it’s great white bread and pasta is finally nowhere to be seen, where is the quinoa, buckwheat, chickpeas, avocados, seeds, coconut, beans (other than baked!) or sweet potatoes?