the new food pyramid

The United States Department of Agriculture is expected to release new dietary guidelines and a new food pyramid in January. We figure: Why should you have to wait?

A 13-member federal advisory panel is currently revising dietary guidelines that will be incorporated into revisions of the traditional Food Guide Pyramid. On August 11, 2004, that panel issued a health warning: Americans must cut calories and salt, eat more whole grain products and get 30 minutes of daily moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or gardening.

With almost two-thirds of Americans overweight or obese, calorie intake needs to be curtailed, the panel said. Members agreed with federal exercise …