USDA Replaces Food Pyramid With Healthy Food Plate

She acknowledges that some people might need a little more detailed nutritional information about the image. "For older adults, showing the circle labeled dairy next to the plate might suggest only a glass of milk, when it's important for them to know that cheese and yogurt are also in the dairy category."

The plate replaces the controversial 2005 MyPyramid, which nutrition experts had derided as vague, confusing and heavily influenced by food industry lobbying. Unlike previous pyramids, which at least had images of food, the 2005 version used colored vertical strips that were supposed to represent the various food groups.

Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition at New York University whose book Food Politics: How the Food Industry Influences Nutrition and Health chronicled the intense lobbying effort behind the food pyramid, called the 2005 symbol "foodless and useless."

She had kinder words, however, for the new plate-shaped icon, which she praised for its clarity.

"I see a few signs of throwing bones to food companies, but the emphasis on fruits and vegetables is unambiguous," she told the Bulletin.

While the past food pyramids seemed designed for younger eaters, Nestle thinks the new plate "is fine for the over-50 set."

"One of the great things about it is that it is consistent with recommendations for prevention of diabetes, cancer and heart disease. One unified symbol seems like a great idea," she says.

In the coming year, the government will push its message that Americans need to eat smaller portions, switch to low-fat or fat-free milk, and drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Here are some other good dietary tips for older adults from Lichtenstein and the government's new dietary guidelines:

• Eat smaller portions.
• Eat more deeply colored fruits and vegetables. They contain more nutrients than the pale or white ones.
  
• Drink water, not sugary drinks. Drinking enough fluids is especially important for those 70 and older.
• Combine beans and grains for protein. Your protein doesn't always have to come from meat, fish or poultry.
• Choose low-fat dairy. Switch to 1 percent milk or low-fat yogurt.
• Add important supplements to your diet. Older adults, especially 70-plus, can be deficient in vitamins B12 and D, as well as calcium. Ask your doctor about adding these nutrients.
• Compare sodium content listed on label of foods like soup, bread, frozen meals and choose foods with lower numbers.
  
  

Candy Sagon writes about health and nutrition for the Bulletin.