Re: Food Pyramid versus MyPlate

Carina Andersson <[email protected]> Fri, 3 Jun 2011 12:10:13 +0200
Newsgroups gmane.comp.infodesign.general
Message-ID <[email protected]>
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Dear all.
If I understand it correctly a pyramid has been used in USA to visualize th=
e proportion of a standard meal.
Now these days a plate is used instead of the pyramid.

I totally agree with Rob Waller.
The plate-model  requires  probably less cognitive efforts, since we are us=
ed to read circle diagrams.
Furthermore, the plate has a iconic similarity to how it really looks at ou=
r dinner table.

In Sweden the plate-model has been used for ages. And it has a variety of "=
looks".
The major difference is actually the content. We do not separate vegetables=
 and fruit.

I think the plate-model would be easier to interpret if symbols/images of f=
oods where combined with text.
And I wonder, just as Rob mentioned, where does potatoes fit in?
Dairy is a great thing to have in the plate-model. We do not have that in S=
weden.
It may be because it is called the Pate-model.

In this link you may see the plate-model presented by FDA in Sweden.
http://www.slv.se/sv/grupp1/Mat-och-naring/Matcirkeln-och-tallriksmoddellen=
/Tallriksmodellen/

All the best
Carina


PhD, Senior Lecture
Carina Andersson
School of Innovation, Design and Engineering
M=E4lardalen University
Box 325
631 05 Eskilstuna
Sweden

Tfn. arb. +46 16 15 36 89
Tfn. mob. +46  700 91 1234




Fr=E5n: [email protected] [mailto:infodesi=
[email protected]] F=F6r Rob Waller
Skickat: den 3 juni 2011 11:16
Till: Discussions about information design
=C4mne: Re: InfoD-Cafe: Food Pyramid versus MyPlate

This looks to me like a very interesting design and I'll seek out the resea=
rch that no doubt lies behind it. I am impressed that something as simple a=
s this has been negotiated, as it is fairly memorable and also simple enoug=
h to be reproduced on food packaging and menus. I can also see it's potenti=
al power as a template against which to compare your actual plate, and I ca=
n see it used for nutrition education - actual plates can be judged against=
 it, card sorts used and meals planned.

I believe people are pretty attuned to comparing portions of a circle (trai=
ned as children to monitor the fair slicing of cakes), whereas pyramids inv=
olve comparing different sizes and shapes. Pyramids also have the inherent =
problem of unreliable symbolism. Although they are intended to reflect diff=
erent proportions, so less necessary foods are at the top, in other circums=
tances the top signifies high attainment - self-fulfillment in Maslow, the =
winner's podium... and of course the foods at the bottom are peasant fare, =
while the sugar, cream and chocolate at the top is the food of kings. No da=
ta, just conjecture.

In terms of what the proportions should actually be, that's down to the nut=
ritionists to debate. Some issues that occur to me are:

- I was interested to see how dairy is treated as a side dish or drink, whi=
ch may be how it comes in the form of milk, yogurt or ice cream, but people=
 may have a problem knowing where cheese fits in. Gastronomically it is pro=
bably seen as part of the protein component in a meal.

- I wonder why fruit is not similarly treated. Including it on the main pla=
te reduces the power of the plate as a template.

- I wonder where potatoes fit in (vegetable? or playing the same gastronomi=
c role as pasta or rice which are from grains?). Perhaps it is different th=
e USA but in the UK I don't think 'grains' would be accurately understood.

But it's important not to be too picky about simplified solutions, if they =
do a good job in moving people in the right direction. The UK's five-a-day =
campaign (refers to portions of fruit or veg) has caught on well and entere=
d into the public consciousness, although I don't what actual effect on con=
sumption has resulted.

I was involved with the development of the UK's national food guide in the =
early 90s. A pyramid was compared with a plate, and no significant differen=
ce in comprehension was found in a fairly comprehensive task-based study in=
volving over 2000 participants. A plate was chosen based on a marginal pref=
erence rather than performance.

The design we used (the result of extensive negotations involving health pr=
ofessionals, designers, government and the food industry, rather than an  i=
nspired creative process) was extremely detailed in its portrayal of food, =
and was very compromised by political lobbying by the food industry. In par=
ticular, fatty/sugary snacks were heavily defended and so included in what =
purports to show a healthy diet.

The UK's plate was poorly promoted, did not catch on widely, and has now vi=
rtually disappeared from view. Google struggled to find any trace, except f=
or this website: http://www.bdaweightwise.com/eating/eating_diet.html
and some journal articles such as this one: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub=
med/17539873


__________________________________

Rob Waller
The Simplification Centre

07850 665933
[email protected]<mailto:rob.waller@simplificationcent=
re.org.uk>
www.simplificationcentre.org.uk


On 3 Jun 2011, at 04:15, Frank Marchak wrote:



Greetings.

The United States Department of Agriculture has replaced the Food Pyramid -=
 used to guide healthy food choices - with MyPlate (www.choosemyplate.gov<h=
ttp://www.choosemyplate.gov/>).

While some criticisms of the original pyramid still remain with the new des=
ign (e.g., presented only in English, takes no account of level of exercise=
), this is the first change since the pyramid replaced an equal quadrant sq=
uare graphic developed in the 1980s.

I have my own opinions of the new approach, but wanted to query the caf=E9 =
to get the views of other members. Does this design present a less complica=
ted approach that can be understood by a wider audience? Can people more re=
adily comprehend a pie chart approach versus a pyramidal representation? Do=
es the plate better reflect new findings in nutrition (e.g., perhaps carboh=
ydrates should not form the base of a balanced diet)? Are circles better re=
ceived than triangles?


Thoughts?

Regards,

Frank

--------------------------------------

Frank M. Marchak, Ph.D.

Veridical Research and Design Corporation

211 West Main Street - Lower Level

PO Box 6503

Bozeman, MT 59771-6503 USA

406.522.9045 : tel

406.522.9048 : fax

406.581.0870 : cel

www.vradc.com<file:///\\www.vradc.com>


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<div class=3DWordSection1>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",=
"sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Dear all.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>If I understand it correctly a pyramid has been used in USA =
to visualize
the proportion of a standard meal.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Now these days a plate is used instead of the pyramid.<o:p><=
/o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>I totally agree with Rob Waller. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>The plate-model =A0requires =A0probably less cognitive effor=
ts,
since we are used to read circle diagrams.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Furthermore, the plate has a iconic similarity to how it rea=
lly
looks at our dinner table. =A0=A0<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>In Sweden the plate-model has been used for ages. And it has=
 a variety
of &#8220;looks&#8221;.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>The major difference is actually the content. We do not sepa=
rate
vegetables and fruit. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>I think the plate-model would be easier to interpret if symb=
ols/images
of foods where combined with text.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>And I wonder, just as Rob mentioned, where does potatoes fit=
 in?
<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Dairy is a great thing to have in the plate-model. We do not
have that in Sweden. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>It may be because it is called the <u>Pate</u>-model.<o:p></=
o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>In this link you may see the plate-model presented by FDA in
Sweden. =A0<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><a
href=3D"http://www.slv.se/sv/grupp1/Mat-och-naring/Matcirkeln-och-tallriksm=
oddellen/Tallriksmodellen/">http://www.slv.se/sv/grupp1/Mat-och-naring/Matc=
irkeln-och-tallriksmoddellen/Tallriksmodellen/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>All the best<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Carina<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",=
"sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:10.5pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>PhD, Senior Lecture <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Carina Andersson<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>School of Innovation, Design and Engineering<o:p></o:p></spa=
n></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",=
"sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>M=E4lardalen University<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",=
"sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Box 325<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",=
"sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>631 05 Eskilstuna<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",=
"sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Sweden<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",=
"sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",=
"sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Tfn. arb. +46 16 15 36 89<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",=
"sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'>Tfn. mob. +46=A0 700 91 1234<o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri",=
"sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-fami=
ly:"Calibri","sans-serif";
color:#1F497D'><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>

<div>

<div style=3D'border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0cm =
0cm 0cm'>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><b><span style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma=
","sans-serif"'>Fr=E5n:</span></b><span
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>
[email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] <b>F=F6r </b>Ro=
b
Waller<br>
<b>Skickat:</b> den 3 juni 2011 11:16<br>
<b>Till:</b> Discussions about information design<br>
<b>=C4mne:</b> Re: InfoD-Cafe: Food Pyramid versus MyPlate<o:p></o:p></span=
></p>

</div>

</div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal>This looks to me like a very interesting design and I'=
ll
seek out the research that no doubt lies behind it. I am impressed that
something as simple as this has been negotiated, as it is fairly memorable =
and
also simple enough to be reproduced on food packaging and menus. I can also=
 see
it's potential power as a template against which to compare your actual pla=
te,
and I can see it used for nutrition education - actual plates can be judged
against it, card sorts used and meals planned.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal>I believe people are pretty attuned to comparing porti=
ons of
a circle (trained as children to monitor the fair slicing of cakes), wherea=
s
pyramids involve comparing different sizes and shapes.&nbsp;Pyramids also h=
ave
the inherent problem of unreliable symbolism. Although they are intended to
reflect different proportions, so less necessary foods are at the top, in o=
ther
circumstances the top signifies high attainment - self-fulfillment in Maslo=
w,
the winner's podium... and of course the foods at the bottom are peasant fa=
re,
while the sugar, cream and chocolate at the top is the food of kings. No da=
ta,
just conjecture.<o:p></o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal>In terms of what the proportions should actually be, t=
hat's
down to the nutritionists to debate.&nbsp;Some issues that occur to me are:=
<o:p></o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal>- I was interested to see how dairy is treated as a si=
de
dish or drink, which may be how it comes in the form of milk, yogurt or ice
cream, but people may have a problem knowing where cheese fits in.
Gastronomically it is probably seen as part of the protein component in a m=
eal.<o:p></o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal>- I wonder why fruit is not similarly treated. Includi=
ng it
on the main plate reduces the power of the plate as a template.&nbsp;<o:p><=
/o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal>- I wonder where potatoes fit in (vegetable? or playin=
g the
same gastronomic role as pasta or rice which are from grains?). Perhaps it =
is
different the USA but in the UK I don't think 'grains' would be accurately
understood.<o:p></o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal>But it's important not to be too picky about simplifie=
d
solutions, if they do a good job in moving people in the right direction. T=
he
UK's five-a-day campaign (refers to portions of fruit or veg) has caught on
well and entered into the public consciousness, although I don't what actua=
l
effect on consumption has resulted.<o:p></o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal>I was involved with the development of the UK's nation=
al
food guide in the early 90s. A pyramid was compared with a plate, and no
significant difference in comprehension was found in a fairly comprehensive
task-based study involving over 2000 participants. A plate was chosen based=
 on
a marginal preference rather than performance.<o:p></o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal>The design we used (the result of extensive negotation=
s
involving health professionals, designers, government and the food industry=
,
rather than an &nbsp;inspired creative process) was extremely detailed in i=
ts
portrayal of food, and was very compromised by political lobbying by the fo=
od
industry. In particular, fatty/sugary snacks were heavily defended and so
included in what purports to show a healthy diet.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal>The UK's plate was poorly promoted, did not catch on w=
idely,
and has now virtually disappeared from view. Google struggled to find any
trace, except for this website:&nbsp;<a
href=3D"http://www.bdaweightwise.com/eating/eating_diet.html">http://www.bd=
aweightwise.com/eating/eating_diet.html</a><o:p></o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal>and some journal articles such as this one:&nbsp;<a
href=3D"http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17539873">http://www.ncbi.nlm.ni=
h.gov/pubmed/17539873</a><o:p></o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

<div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal style=3D'margin-bottom:12.0pt'>_______________________=
___________<br>
<br>
Rob Waller&nbsp;<br>
The Simplification Centre<br>
<br>
07850 665933<br>
<a href=3D"mailto:[email protected]">rob.waller@simpli=
ficationcentre.org.uk</a><br>
www.simplificationcentre.org.uk<br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></p>

</div>

</div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

<div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal>On 3 Jun 2011, at 04:15, Frank Marchak wrote:<o:p></o:=
p></p>

</div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><br>
<br>
<o:p></o:p></p>

<div>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Greeting=
s.</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>The Unit=
ed
States Department of Agriculture has replaced the Food Pyramid</span><span
lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","san=
s-serif"'>&#8211;
used to guide healthy food choices</span><span lang=3DEN-US> </span><span
lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>&#8211; with MyPl=
ate (</span><a
href=3D"http://www.choosemyplate.gov/"><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-fam=
ily:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>www.choosemyplate.gov</span></a><span
lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>).</span><span
lang=3DEN-US> </span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>While</s=
pan><span
lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","san=
s-serif"'>some</span><span
lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","san=
s-serif"'>criticisms
of the original</span><span lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US
style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>pyramid</span><span lang=3DEN-=
US> </span><span
lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>still remain</spa=
n><span
lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","san=
s-serif"'>with
the new design</span><span lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US
style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>(e.g.,</span><span lang=3DEN-U=
S> </span><span
lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>presented only in
English, takes no account of level of exercise),</span><span lang=3DEN-US> =
</span><span
lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>this is the first=
 change
since the pyramid replaced</span><span lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN=
-US
style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>an equal quadrant square graph=
ic
developed in the 1980s.</span><span lang=3DEN-US> </span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>I have m=
y own</span><span
lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","san=
s-serif"'>opinions
of</span><span lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family=
:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>the
new approach, but wanted to query the</span><span lang=3DEN-US> </span><spa=
n
lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>caf=E9 to get the=
</span><span
lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","san=
s-serif"'>views
of other members.</span><span lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US
style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Does this</span><span lang=3DE=
N-US> </span><span
lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>design</span><spa=
n
lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","san=
s-serif"'>present
a less complicated approach that</span><span lang=3DEN-US> </span><span
lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>can be understood=
 by a
wider audience? Can people more readily comprehend a pie chart approach ver=
sus
a pyramidal</span><span lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'fo=
nt-family:
"Calibri","sans-serif"'>representation?</span><span lang=3DEN-US> </span><s=
pan
lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Does the plate be=
tter
reflect new findings in</span><span lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US
style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>nutrition (e.g.,</span><span
lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","san=
s-serif"'>perhaps
carbohydrates should not form the base of a balanced diet)? Are circles bet=
ter
received than</span><span lang=3DEN-US> </span><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'=
font-family:
"Calibri","sans-serif"'>triangles?</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Thoughts=
?</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Regards,=
</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Frank</s=
pan><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans=
-serif"'>--------------------------------------</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans=
-serif"'>Frank
M. Marchak, Ph.D.</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans=
-serif"'>Veridical
Research and Design Corporation</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans=
-serif"'>211
West Main Street - Lower Level</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans=
-serif"'>PO
Box 6503</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans=
-serif"'>Bozeman,
MT 59771-6503 USA</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans=
-serif"'>406.522.9045
: tel</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans=
-serif"'>406.522.9048
: fax</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans=
-serif"'>406.581.0870
: cel</span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p><a href=3D"file:///\\www.vradc.com"><span lang=3DEN-US style=3D'font-siz=
e:10.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>www.vradc.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></p>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

<div>

<p class=3DMsoNormal><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></p>

</div>

</div>

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