Expert Answers to Readers' Questions
What is the difference between The Healthy Eating Pyramid and the Mediterranean Food Pyramid?
There are a lot of similarities between the Healthy Eating Pyramid and the Mediterranean Food Pyramid. However, the Mediterranean Food Pyramid is representative of a traditional diet followed by many people in Mediterranean countries such as Greece and Italy. The Healthy Eating Pyramid is based on the most up-to-date research in nutrition and health.
Some specific differences between the two pyramids include potato being at the bottom of the Mediterranean Food Pyramid, compared to at the top of the Healthy Eating Pyramid (in the "use sparingly" category). Also, the Healthy Eating Pyramid emphasizes plant sources of protein and whole grains. In addition, plant oils, such as olive oils, are at the bottom of the Healthy Eating Pyramid, whereas they are in the middle of the Mediterranean Food Pyramid. In addition, the Healthy Eating Pyramid recommends daily physical activity and a multivitamin supplement for most individuals.
To learn more about Food Pyramids, read The Healthy Eating Pyramid.