Whatever you do, don't let the Government tell you what to eat!

I am not one of those afraid of big government types; you won't see me at a tea party rally or watching Glenn Beck any time soon, BUT I do have a serious problem with the USDA Food Pyramid Guidelines. If you click on the link to the USDA Food Pyramid, here is the URL that appears: http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/DietaryGuidelines/2005/2005DGPolicyDocument.pdf Note the last few words of this URL: "Policy Document." Now, any of us who have been following the healthcare debate should understand by now a little about how government policy is formulated and how much it is influenced by special interest groups and lobbyists. Well, the food pyramid is no different. This 2005 pyramid is a slight improvement over its predecessor (at least this one mentions whole grains and healthy fats), but it's still an utter disaster. The reason it's a nightmare is because its a policy document and it's chief purpose is to promote US agribusiness interests. For example, the wealthy American Dairy Association has wielded extraordinary influence over the USDA food pyramid; hence the 3 servings a day of dairy recommended despite the fact that 30-50% of Americans are lactose intolerant and there is no valid medical reason to have dairy in your diet as an adult (not even for calcium but that's a post for another day). In addition, American farmers produce tons of grains, hence why you see such a large amount of whole grains recommended. Yes, whole grain is good for you, but if you look closely, you'll see the USDA is including pasta, bread and processed crackers in this category, foods that constitute empty calories and make most people gain weight when consumed in the quantities recommended here.

I really like Michelle Obama and appreciate what she is trying to do for childhood obesity and I do think she gets it; however, I am less than optimistic that she will be able to speak the truth without coming up against some powerful interests that try to silence her. Remember the last time a powerful, popular black woman spoke out against consuming a particular type of unhealthy food? http://www.cnn.com/US/9802/26/oprah.verdict/