Episode
The Food Pyramid
51:52
Published: Tue Nov 15 2022
Description
In the 1990s, the Food Pyramid was one of the most recognizable symbols in nutrition education. But where did it come from? Why was it created by the agriculture department? And why did it tell us to eat a whole loaf of bread every day?Support us:Hear bonus episodes on PatreonDonate on PayPalGet Maintenance Phase T-shirts, stickers and moreBuy Aubrey's new bookListen to Mike's new podcastLinks!Anna-Britt AgnsäterRounding Out the Food PyramidFood Lobbies, The Food Pyramid, and US Nutrition PolicyThe Fattening: Reassessing The Food PyramidCatering to Cows and ConsumersUS Drops New Food ChartAre Cattlemen Now Guarding the Hen House?Testing of the Food Pyramid Comes Full CircleTopping the Food PyramidFood Pyramid Replaced By 'MyPlate'Is The Food Pyramid Obsolete?Coca-Cola Funds Scientists to Shift BlameExperts Say Lobbying Skewed the US Dietary GuidelinesFood PoliticsThanks to Doctor Dreamchip for our lovely theme song!Support the show
Chapters
Maintenance Phase podcast discusses food regulation agencies and public health in a casual and gossipy style.
00:00 - 02:37 (02:37)
Summary
Maintenance Phase podcast discusses food regulation agencies and public health in a casual and gossipy style. The hosts recommend subscribing to their Patreon for bonus episodes or listening directly on Apple Podcasts.
EpisodeThe Food Pyramid
PodcastMaintenance Phase
Despite being the official government recommendation on food, the food pyramid has very little influence on how Americans eat.
02:37 - 06:52 (04:15)
Summary
Despite being the official government recommendation on food, the food pyramid has very little influence on how Americans eat. Interestingly, the first person to come up with the idea of creating a nutrition education "food pyramid" was from Sweden and the reason for calling it a pyramid is uncertain.
EpisodeThe Food Pyramid
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The recommended number of servings per day in nutrition labels may seem excessive when following the absurd serving sizes listed, resulting in an overestimation of total daily food intake.
06:52 - 12:01 (05:09)
Summary
The recommended number of servings per day in nutrition labels may seem excessive when following the absurd serving sizes listed, resulting in an overestimation of total daily food intake.
EpisodeThe Food Pyramid
PodcastMaintenance Phase
This episode discusses how the US government's approach to nutrition shifted in 1977 from encouraging more food intake to advocating for a reduction in consumption.
12:01 - 19:39 (07:38)
Summary
This episode discusses how the US government's approach to nutrition shifted in 1977 from encouraging more food intake to advocating for a reduction in consumption. It also explores the creation of recommended dietary allowances in 1941 and their prevalence on nutrition facts panels today.
EpisodeThe Food Pyramid
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The speakers discuss the effectiveness of 3D graphics and wonder if it would be improved with 3D glasses.
19:39 - 24:48 (05:08)
Summary
The speakers discuss the effectiveness of 3D graphics and wonder if it would be improved with 3D glasses. They also touch on the difficulties of collaborating between different agencies in projects.
EpisodeThe Food Pyramid
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The process of collaborative decision making can often lead to watered-down, unremarkable end results that are subject to being vetoed by a superior who may have their own agenda.
24:48 - 29:48 (05:00)
Summary
The process of collaborative decision making can often lead to watered-down, unremarkable end results that are subject to being vetoed by a superior who may have their own agenda.
EpisodeThe Food Pyramid
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The debate over school lunch trays continues as some argue that the pyramid design is too hierarchical while others argue that it helps with portion control; ultimately, the decision is up to individual schools to choose which design they prefer.
29:48 - 38:27 (08:38)
Summary
The debate over school lunch trays continues as some argue that the pyramid design is too hierarchical while others argue that it helps with portion control; ultimately, the decision is up to individual schools to choose which design they prefer.
EpisodeThe Food Pyramid
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The new food pyramid is critiqued for its lack of hierarchy and ambiguity despite minor differences in band thickness indicating importance.
38:27 - 43:08 (04:41)
Summary
The new food pyramid is critiqued for its lack of hierarchy and ambiguity despite minor differences in band thickness indicating importance.
EpisodeThe Food Pyramid
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The Harvard Food Pyramid is compared to the USDA Food Pyramid, showing the differences in their designs and nutritional recommendations.
43:08 - 47:32 (04:24)
Summary
The Harvard Food Pyramid is compared to the USDA Food Pyramid, showing the differences in their designs and nutritional recommendations. The Harvard Pyramid emphasizes healthy fats and whole grains, while the USDA Pyramid focuses on low-fat dairy and meat products.
EpisodeThe Food Pyramid
PodcastMaintenance Phase
The intersection of food and politics is complex, with the food industry often wielding more influence than science on what we eat and how we view health.
47:32 - 51:35 (04:03)
Summary
The intersection of food and politics is complex, with the food industry often wielding more influence than science on what we eat and how we view health. By shifting the blame to individuals rather than examining systemic issues, the "obesity epidemic" unfairly stigmatizes and marginalizes larger bodies.