The medical field and our understanding of nutrition has undeniably changed over the years.  I will be the first to admit that.  However, I also think that we should make our own decisions about nutrition- not just look at the government guidelines and assume that they know best.  We have an interesting situation: there are people who don’t trust the government to properly collect taxes, spend our money wisely, or protect our basic freedoms.  However, they are completely willing to believe that the government is not only wise about what our daily nutrition should be, but that the government is not affected in the slightest by special interests.  

I’m taking no particular stand on the issue of nutrition.  I’m a big believer in the “make your own decisions and live with the consequences” school of thought.  I thought it would informative and slightly humorous to look at the advice given to us over the years, by both the government and the medical community, about what we should be consuming.  Enjoy!

Bad as it is to say, our best advice for eating came from this poster.  From the period of 1894 to 1940. 

In 1941 and 1942, this poster was widely used to inform the American people on good nutrition.  Note in particular the “vitamin rich fats, peanut butter and similar spreads” section of the poster.   In all honesty, it's not bad advice for the time, as the obesity rates were much lower. 

From 1943 to 1955, we now had the "Basic 7."  We still have butter with every single meal, including breakfast.  Not to mention, we better remember to eat dessert. 

By 1956, we’ve gotten rid of the fats (there was no distinction between healthy and unhealthy fats at this point), but there is still no upper limit on number of portions nor a guide to portion sizes.  Everything is “so many servings or more.” 

1979, we have the same basic groups we have today.  Fats are back and sweets are added, but only with a caution sign. 

In 1984, we were introduced to the Food Wheel. 

In 2000, we have our famous Food Pyramid.  For those who don’t remember, arguments abounded about the term that should be used for “Fats, Oils, & Sweets.”  They finally settled on “use sparingly.” 

Then came the "vertical" pyramid with a creepy "kind-of stick figure" running up the side.  I realize they were emphasizing getting exercise in, but it looks more like they were recommended we walk all over our food before we eat it. 

And,now, ta-da, we have been introduced to the "Plate."  Yes, ladies and gentlemen, after 70 years of medical research, they've finally figured out we eat off of a plate.  When you go to the government website to look at the plate, notice the words morphing between English and Spanish.  Because, unlike in National Treasure, there is NOT a treasure map on the backside of the Declaration of Independence.  It's really copied over in Spanish.