If you have visited a Naturopath or Nutritionist over the last 8 years you would probably have not been shown or advised about the Healthy Nutrition Pyramid. Why? Because there were not enough vegetables and too much processed food such as bread and processed cereal foods contained in it.

How has the Healthy Nutrition Pyramid evolved?

The original Healthy Nutrition Pyramid was introduced by Nutrition Australia in 1980. Since then there have been continual updates with the latest version in May 2015. The aim of the Pyramid has always been to use as an effective educational tool to encourage the Australian public to eat a varied, healthy and balanced diet. The 2015 Healthy Nutritional Pyramid is based on 2013 up-to-date dietary intake guidelines and is based on approximately 55,000 scientific papers

What are the changes?

The problem with the last Food Pyramid is that it sent the wrong message on carbohydrates. As a result people were eating more refined carbohydrates such as white breads, sugar heavy processed breakfast cereals, pasta, cakes and pastries. While they provided energy they provided very little nutritional value. The new Pyramid encourages eating complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, such as brown rice, oats and quinoa. There is a higher emphasis on fresh fruit and vegetables. It has been shown that less than one in ten Australians actually eat the recommended quantities of vegetables and that only half eat two pieces of fruit per day. The older versions of the pyramid also put all fats together. Sadly this meant that hamburgers were in the same section as healthy fats such as olive oil, canola oil, avocados, nuts and seed.

What does the New Pyramid teach us?

There is so much conflicting information on what we should be eating including various trendy and fad diets. Research has shown that Australians are eating too much junk food and not enough fruit and vegetables. The new food pyramid provides realistic and clear guidelines on eating well:

• Enjoy a variety of food from the five core food groups
• Eat mostly plant-based foods such as vegetable, legumes and fruit
• Choose healthy whole grains including brown rice, oats and quinoa
• Eat moderate amounts of protein and mix your protein choices, including meat and non-meat protein
• Eat healthy fats sparingly and avoid saturated fats
• Drink plenty of fresh water
• Limit added salt and sugar

For more information on the New Pyramid see a larger image below and refer to Nutrition Australia

What does the media have to say about the Healthy Eating Pyramid?

ABC Rural reported on the benefits of eating legumes and its impact on the Australia legume sales in an article, ‘New Food Pyramid brings boost for lentil sales’.

Naturopath Janne Ramsay

Janne Ramsay Naturopath can assess your diet and provide dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help you reach your health potential. Learn more about Janne here You can also join Mr Vitamin’s Naturopath Janne Ramsay as she takes you through an informative and fun presentation on the basics of healthy digestion. Discover how your digestive system directly impacts your health.