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Dairy in the food pyramid
You know the classic food pyramid, with dairy there at x% of our intake, yes?
I've been wondering - why is dairy even there? I get that we need calcium, etc, but there are other sources.
And, you know those recommended calcium intake levels? Are they based on calcium in cow's milk, which is not in a form readily absorbed by humans compared to that in human milk?
Registered User
Because the healthy food pyramid is influenced and created by lobby groups, some of whom represent the dairy industry.
Registered User
Bang on the money!
Because the healthy food pyramid is influenced and created by lobby groups, some of whom represent the dairy industry.
When you think about it, drinking another species' breastmilk when we no longer drink our own seems so illogical. (On a side note, I mentioned to hubby that maybe I should make porridge with my breastmilk (we were all out of non-dairy milk) and he told me that it sounded gross, and yet he happily chugs boobie milk from a cow...)
As I am dairy intolerant anyway I don't consume it. It's also funny to note that when you are sick, you are advised to stay away from dairy, so I really don't think it does your body a whole lot of good anyway, it is after all, meant for baby cows.
In terms of getting adequate calcium, there are TONS of other sources - sardines, tahini/sesame seeds, leafy greens, figs, soy products, nuts/seeds, blackstrap molasses etc. You can also take supplements as well if you want.
An observational note, I have seen far more westerners horribly stooped over in old age than other nationalities (Asians, Mediterraneans) who don't consume large amounts of dairy as part of their diet...
Moderator
Because ice cream is a vital part of any balanced diet
Registered User
Because cheese is soooooooooo good.
I miss cheese but my butt doesn't
Sent from my Galaxy with the barefoot princess covering me in kisses, so please forgive the mistakes
♥ BellyBelly's Creator ♥
I feel the same and I share my thoughts with my kids about foodsz My daughter got her work marked wrong because the things they have in the 'everyday' foods I told her ages ago that its not necessary every day. One thing that miffs me about schooling. Not much room for freethinkers or other ways of thinking - all simply right or wrong.
Kelly xx
Creator of BellyBelly.com.au, doula, writer and mother of three amazing children
Registered User
That really saddens me - now that I have a little one, I would rather she learn how to think for herself, and not take everything institutions (such as school) tell her as gospel and be taught WHAT to think.
Things like the food pyramid are really out of date - they don't even include nuts and seeds on there. And I think veggies should really be the biggest portion...
Moderator
Maybe they've changed it since I was at school but it used to have nuts on it. They're with the meats and fish. And the seeds are with the complex carbs.
FWIW the first food pyramid was developed in Sweden and it had nothing to do with dairy farmers.
Registered User
Well being a dairy farmer I'll stuck to getting my milk from my cows, at least I know what I'm getting and from where
Registered User
LS is right. The Five Food Groups was created by Dairy Farmers marketing about 30 years ago.
Moderator
That's not actually true.
Administrator
The food pyramid doesn't work because we are lazy. We don't work hard. Walk as much as we used to and rely on too much processed foods. The only dairy that used to be common for regular consumption was milk, cheese, yoghurt and butter. And Im sure dairy can be good for us just like too much can be bad. Same can be said for carrots, or even soy. We don't eat real food anymore. We don't exercise as much. Otherwise we wouldn't need gymnasiums and personal trainers. We live lazily. And eating super foods and raw foods is another way of being lazy. Instead of eating real food and being active we've almost gone the other way where we take things to the extreme. Across the world we were healthier 100 years ago than we are now. And I'm no better. Is dairy the devil? No I don't believe so or places like France would have stopped consuming it a long time ago. And just like soy doesn't have the same effects on the Asian population that it does on the western world the same goes for dairy. We didn't have half the intolerances we have now when food was just food. Not for convenience. And everything has to be made cheaply (where pesticides, fillers, preservatives and GMO comes in) and needs to last forever. That's just my thoughts anyway.
Registered User
Dairy farmers marketing is no different to any other company, food based or otherwise just trying to survive...
Registered User
Well my DD2 has a food cube due to CF thats going to be fun at school fats and salts are as needed as fruits veggies
2013 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.
I've seen a really good revamped food pyramid in Eat, Drink and Be Healthy by Walter Willett. His includes 1-2 serves dairy OR a calcium supplement.
Moderator
TBH I'm mistrustful of any diet etc that requires supplements. If your diet doesn't provide you with the nutrients you require it's inadequate and you need to find a diet that won't leave you malnourished.
The Danish food pyramid has water in it
♥ BellyBelly's Creator ♥
Its almost becoming a required part of the diet, topsoils arent as nutrient rich as they used to be, and if you dont buy organic I have heard some sources suggesting to peel off skin from fruit and veg to get rid of pesticides etc... The skin of some fruits and veg contain some of the best bits otherwise.
Kelly xx
Administrator
Exactly. I read something once that said "organic, free range, GMO and preservative free - this used to be known as FOOD!" or something similar. This is why we try and make our own everything where possible. If I could live near a dairy and slaughter my own meat. I would. I can't wait to have my own veggie garden. There are lots of things you can do to eat naturally without going OTT. I make my own yoghurt, butter, ricotta, and today DH made haloumi. Soon we'll be making our own cured meats and seafood. It can be done!
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