The Mediterranean food guide pyramid.

t has been said that the Mediterranean regions have the most healthful dietary traditions in the world, especially when compared to other industrialized countries, like the United States. This statement is supported by epidemiological studies done in the region. In order to improve our own dietary habits it can be beneficial to look at other cultures' cuisine and incorporate some of their habits into our own diet. This can help the school nurse in making healthful choices for herself and the children she serves. A historical look at the Mediter-ranean food guide pyramid will enable the reader to understand the reasons behind the development of this pyramid. This will be followed by a verbal and pictorial description of the Mediterranean Food Guide Pyramid, and a look at the lifestyle characteristics and different food groups that the pyramid represents. Finally, we will review eight guidelines that make up the Mediter-ranean Food Guide Pyramid. Public Health formed a committee to evaluate the epidemiological research that had been done over the years on the dietary traditions of the Mediterranean peoples. The results of this meta-analysis revealed that the inhabitants of these regions had lower rates of chronic diseases and a longer life expectancy than other countries. This was startling, based on the fact that income and medical services were fairly limited in these regions, especially when compared to the United States. After evaluating the findings of the studies, the committee wanted to help others adopt the healthful dietary traditions of the Mediterranean. The result was the Mediterranean Food Guide Pyramid. The Mediterranean Food Guide Pyramid is an adaptation of the USDA Food Guide Pyramid. It is used to help the average person understand how to adopt this type of diet. The nutritional portion of the Mediterranean Food Guide Pyramid is broken down as follows: ■ 60% of calories are from carbohydrates , such as bread, pasta, grains, and fruit. ■ 30% of the calories are from fats. (The fat component is made up primarily of olive oil.) Very little saturated fat is consumed. ■ 10% of the calories are from protein. Protein sources are primarily consumed in small amounts, for example, 3 to 4 ounces. The above caloric breakdown is a set of guidelines; therefore, they are not to be calculated to an exact amount. As one looks at the pyramid one can see different aspects of the cuisine and the way of …