GardenCuizine: Really, back to a Food Pyramid?

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Really, back to a Food Pyramid?

Yes, apparently that is the case according to the latest news released today by the USDA on the new guidelines for health in America. Flash back in time for Americans and especially for me to when I had my health food store and restaurant in the 80's.

I find it interesting that RF Kennedy, Jr is back tracking and completely erasing the MyPlate graphic that has been featured in nutrition education for years. It is quite shocking and frankly, insulting to the scientists who provide so much research and study in the development of the DGA, to see the 164 pages of information rolled back to a mere 10-page guideline.

The idea of a very simple guideline for the public is a good one. However, without the details of the science for the professionals, educators may resort to inaccurate teachings and advice. The DGA were always a strong resource for healthcare professionals and educators who take the detailed and specific information and deliver it to the public.

Personally, I do like teaching about whole foods in the five food groups and encouraging people to eat more fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. The majority of the people in the world are lactose intolerant, so Harvard's plate is more realistic, omitting dairy all together and showing water instead. Overall, I think it is a good idea to limit processed foods and promote eating "real foods".

I'm not liking that red meat is featured at the top of the new guidelines. The environment related to global warming is huge concern for food production. At some point Americans must come to the table on the realty of global warming and that red meat from cattle is not the direction for sustainability of our planet and food resources. More transparency and discussion and education on the topic must be provided to the public and anyone involved in food service.

This will be a very timely topic of discussion in my upcoming Contemporary Issues in Nutrition class at Rowan University.

Real food back at the center of health

Watch for updates. Updated 1/8/2026