Most of us probably learned about the food guide pyramid in grade school…or perhaps you’re one of our younger readers still learning about it now.  For those like me with bad memories, you can check out the American Food Guide Pyramid here.  It’s a fabulous tool and one that can really help you make healthier choices when it comes to your diet.  A healthy diet is really important for weight loss and teaching healthy eating habits is one of our primary goals at our weight loss camps for kids.

However, it’s always a good thing to get a second opinion, so to speak.  I thought it might be kind of fun to tell you about the Healthy Eating Pyramid and see what kids are learning on the other side of the planet.

Our pyramid is divided into six parts:  Grains, Vegetables, Fruits, Milk, Oils, Meats & Beans.  You can click on each section of the pyramid at the USDA website linked above and get advice on how much of each you should take in throughout the day.

The Healthy Eating Pyramid developed by the Australian Nutrition Foundation Inc. is simpler.  It is divided up into three categories:  Eat Most, Eat moderately and Eat in small amounts.  Rather than giving specific advice, the advice is that one should eat mostly fruits, veggies, beans, nuts and grains and also eat some, but not as much, lean meats, eggs, and low-fat dairy.  The types of foods to be eaten in small amounts are oil, margarine, reduced-fat spreads, butter and sugar.

Hmmm… I wonder if kangaroo and crocodile are considered lean meats?

There are good things and bad things about both pyramids.  The American pyramid might seem complicated to some and it may cause confusion in the sense that there are a lot of things to consider.  However, the Australian pyramid may be too simplistic because it doesn’t offer a lot of information on portion sizes.

So, it’s really a matter of what you need more.  Do you need more advice on portion sizes and specifics?  Or, do you just want to know what in general you should or shouldn’t be eating?

Both pyramids are fantastic guides to healthy eating.  Whichever one you choose, you’ll be making better choices in the foods you eat!  Making better eating choices is paramount in losing weight and living at a healthy weight.  If you feel like you need help jump-starting the process or maybe just need a positive and supportive environment to get started in, check out one of our weight loss camps.