Suzy Eats

I have attached three food pyramids below. The first pyramid is the USDA recommended food pyramid, while the latter two are Mediterranean Food Pyramids.

The Mediterranean Diet has been proven to be one of the most healthiest diets in the world. At the bottom of the Mediterranean Food Pyramid are breads and cereals which should be consumed daily. A key component is cous cous.

As you move up the pyramid, there are increased amounts of fruits and vegetables (much more than the standard USDA food pyramid). 

A key difference is OIL…specifically olive oil.

There are smaller amounts of cheese, yogurt and other dairy in the Mediterranean Pyramid than in the USDA pyramid.

Other key points are that: there is VERY LITTLE RED meat that is used in the mediterranean diet and very small amounts of sweets since fruits are eaten as sweets. Olives and tomatoes are the most common fruits. Legumes and nuts are eaten as snacks. Fish and poultry are more common than red meats.

There have been key studies comparing the Mediterranean Diets to other diets around the world.  In the countries with a Mediterranean Diet, heart disease is generally lower.

  Another difference is that the Mediterranean Food pyramid describes foods in various terms: monthy, weekly and daily. While the USDA, describes the daily intake. 

Which food pyramid are you following????