Not Happy With ChooseMyPlate, Harvard Creates Its Own Eating Guidelines

From Third Age. Closer, but still has those pesky grains in it!

"Nutrition guidelines have been unveiled by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, called the Healthy Eating Plate.

Walter Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard, says their modified version of the USDA MyPlate addresses the latter’s shortcomings, reports ABC News.

"The main thing is that MyPlate isn't specific enough to really give enough guidance," Willett said. MyPlate is a USDA resource that offers nutrition recommendations.

Symbolized by a plate with four sections -- fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins -- with an attached glass of milk, the agency says they all promote a healthy, balanced diet.

Larger image here.

Harvard's plate also includes the same four sections but with more detailed information on what foods to eat, and which ones to avoid, ABC News reports.

For instance, instead of the traditional grains section, Harvard's version includes a whole grains section.

"There's a distinction between any old grains and whole grains," Willett said. He said eating too many refined grains, e.g. white bread and white rice, can increase the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

HealthyPlate also explains what proteins are healthy -- poultry, fish, beans and nuts -- emphasizing the need for healthy fats, such as olive and canola oils, reports ABC News.

As well as explaining that potatoes aren't a healthy vegetable choice, Harvard's plate replaces milk with water and recommends only one to two servings a day of low-fat milk.

"Modest dairy consumption is OK, but having a glass of milk with every meal is excessive and does not reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures," Willett said, ABC News reports.

The USDA has not yet responded to a request for comment."