Are we even aware of the obesity issue, or have we become like the frog in the pot of ever increasing hot water acclimated to the gradual temperatures? I live in one of the heaviest states in the Union. It isn’t unusual to see overweight people. In fact, thin people tend to attract more notice because of their limited numbers. A video on the Internet about powerful winds in Norway brought the ever increasing issue home to me. I stared at the various Norwegians of different ages trying to cross the street. All I could think was how thin they all were. No wonder they were having such issues with the wind.
I had forgotten what a healthy body looked like. I went to their dietary guidelines and found it was heavy on lean protein and veggies, but advised a limitation on carbs in regards to previous guidelines. Along with the dietary guidelines, they advised vigorous exercise. This was not mentioned in MY PLATE.
Many health organizations and dietitians are upset about the implications of the simple MY PLATE graphic. The circle labeled dairy implies milk. I don’t drink milk with meals but do occasionally have cheese and butter. Even the size of the plate is in question. It’s a whole different ballgame if it is a twelve-inch plate as opposed to an eight-inch plate.
One doctor hit the nail on the head when he remarked a simple picture will do nothing to improve eating. People eat what they want and will continue to do so. I only changed my eating habits after a friend lost weight and improved his health. I asked him what he did. He explained to me, how he used the Atkins Induction program. After losing weight, I felt the difference when I binged on french fries. They stayed in my stomach like a brick. I also felt a lack of energy and an urge to sleep due to a carb overload.
This is the practical information people and children need instead of a colorful graphic. True, lobbyists promoted particular foods. There are thousands of farmers growing wheat and receiving farm subsidies, so grains were a natural staple. Some dietitians objected that everything is grouped in broad categories. I could pick a heavy carb bread or go with a two-carb bagel from The Hollywood Bread Company. None of this is addressed.
In the end, is anyone even looking at the graphic or is it just a colorful bulletin board material outside the school cafeteria?