It's finally time to say goodbye to something we grew up with, but its a bittersweet departure that's been long overdue. Although it has served its purpose for awhile, and taught us all general nutrition tips, it is quite apparent - with the rampant obesity epidemic in America today - that the effectiveness of the Food Pyramid has certainly waned over the years.
Was it because it was too difficult to follow on a daily basis? Too much temptation for junk and fast food? Too expensive to maintain? Or that people just simply stopped caring about their health overall?
In the whole scheme of things, is the Food Pyramid really to blame at all? Or is it merely used as a scapegoat to represent "out with the old, in with the new?"
As mentioned in my Food Revolution post, it certainly doesn't help that the schools supposedly teaching the kids about nutrition and health are also feeding them slop in the cafeteria. Actions speak much louder than words. People will carry habits learned as a child as they grow up, and the example set by the horrendous school lunches is pretty much telling them that fatty food and sugary gunk are perfectly acceptable and normal. Sure, in the back of their head, they may remember, and can recite the four food groups, but what sits in front of them on the table is what really sinks in their brain (and stomach).
To sum it up, in order to make a dent in this obesity epidemic in America, it's going to take a lot more than just changing the recommended food intake chart, something that likely wasn't an issue in the first place. However, what it does show is that the USDA is indeed trying, and this fresh start is a sign that they actually are aware of the problems. It also serves to remind the general public, as this news will surely reach the mainstream media. Hopefully, it is merely the beginning, and there is much more in store.