The Vegetarian Pyramid

Thursday, October 1, 2009

The Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an organization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, was established in 1994 to improve the nutrition and well-being of Americans.  One of the primary objectives of the Center is to advance and promote dietary guidance for all Americans.

In order to support its objectives, the Center (USDA) launched multiple products including the MyPyramid Food Guidance System in April 2005.  This is supposed to replace the original Food Guide Pyramid that we have all been accustomed to seeing plastered everywhere and had been so out-dated.  The MyPyramid Guidance System acknowledges that one size does not fit all.  MyPyramid offers personalized eating plans and interactive tools to help one plan and assess ones food choices based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

I am happy to note that Vegetarians have been given acknowledgement as well as inclusion.  They even have a "10 tips" for following a vegetarian diet.  Here is the main link to MyPyramid.  In a series of future articles, I will summarize, paraphrase and present in simple terms how vegetarians can adopt relevant guidelines from the MyPyramid system.

I am now "officially" a supporter by including their picture below :-)  The things I do for the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion!!