New Healthy Eating Pyramid updated for 2015

By Kate Hassett

New Healthy Eating Pyramid updated for 2015
The iconic Healthy Eating Pyramid has had a much needed makeover, after nearly two decades.

After nearly two decades, the Healthy Eating Pyramid has been refreshed to reflect the healthy eating habits of 2015.

Gone are the days when cakes, soft drinks and chocolate were featured in the “eat least” section at the tip of the pyramid. Now Margarine,  bad oils and sugar are completely removed from the picture, replaced with “healthy fats” like good oils.

The new pyramid features seeds, legumes and proteins such as tofu. Grains like quinoa have replaced the usual carbohydrate and cereal level, with a focus on varieties of cous cous, oats and soba noodles over bleached alternatives like starchy breads, white rice and pasta.

The new 2015 healthy food pyramid includes five specific food groups and excludes all sugary and refined foods. Photo: Nutrition Australia
The new 2015 healthy food pyramid includes five specific food groups and excludes all sugary and refined foods. Photo: Nutrition Australia

 

The original education tool has become obsolete with nutritionists seeing diets that are heavily focussed on processed carbohydrates, leading to obesity and weight gain.

Vegetables have taken their rightful place at the base of the pyramid, as a reminder that only 7 percent of Australians are getting their recommended daily serves of veggies.

Also the addition of herbs and spices as seasonings, and as a substitutes for salt, has promoted the pyramid to a wide range of offerings, a far cry from the pyramid of a decade earlier.

The above food pyramids, 1982 (left) and 1986 (right) show a completely different approach to nutrition. Picture: Nutrition Australia
The above food pyramids, 1982 (left) and 1986 (right) show a completely different approach to nutrition. Picture: Nutrition Australia

 

Australia's 2007 healthy food pyramid still included margarine and spreads, with breads and cereals taking centre stage.
Australia’s 2007 healthy food pyramid still included margarine and spreads, with breads and cereals taking centre stage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Print Recipe

BECOME A MiNDFOOD SUBSCRIBER TODAY

Let us keep you up to date with our weekly MiNDFOOD e-newsletters which include the weekly menu plan, health and news updates or tempt your taste buds with the MiNDFOOD Daily Recipe. 

Member Login