Rebuilding the Pyramid

With two thirds of Americans overweight, it had become clear that the government?s Food Guide Pyramid needs an overhaul. Charged with the daunting task is Eric Hentges, executive director of the Department of Agriculture?s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. Hentges says the new pyramid may include as many as 12 different diet plans?eg, 1000-calorie-day diets for children and 3200-calorie-a-day diets for athletes.

The current Pyramid offers just 3 levels of calorie intake. Some of the new recommendations may include quadrupling the intake of dark green vegetables and legumes for male couch potatoes between the ages of 31 and 50.They would also be encouraged to double their intake of orange vegetables and cut their starchy vegetables in half. Other changes include revisions to the ?Nutrition Facts? on food labels.The new Pyramid is expected to be released early next year.