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How Did The Government Get
The Food Pyramid So Terribly Wrong?
How Did The Government Get The Food Pyramid So Terribly Wrong?
The Origins of the Food Pyramid
For decades, the food pyramid has been a ubiquitous symbol in nutritional education, shaping dietary recommendations worldwide. Developed by health authorities to guide individuals toward a balanced and healthy diet, the pyramid has been a cornerstone of nutritional guidance. However, as greater scientific understanding of nutrition has advanced, criticisms have emerged regarding the accuracy and potential harm associated with the food pyramid.
The concept of a food pyramid originated in the 1960s as a response to increasing rates of heart disease and other diet-related health issues. The pyramid categorized food into five main groups and provided recommended serving sizes for each group. The base of the pyramid consisted of grains, followed by fruits and vegetables, then dairy and protein, with fats and sweets at the top. The intention was to emphasize the importance of a diet rich in grains, fruits, and vegetables while moderating intake of protein and especially fats.
The Impact on Weight
From the time that the US government first set dietary guidelines in 1977, the food industry has shifted the types of foods produced to the overall detriment of the public. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the average adult today weighs nearly 30 pounds more than an average adult in the late 1970’s.[1] The CDC’s own chart is illustrative:
Carbohydrate-centric Focus
One of the fundamental flaws of the food pyramid lies in its disproportionate emphasis on grains, particularly refined grains. The base of the pyramid encourages a significant portion of the diet to be comprised of refined carbohydrates, mainly in the form of bread, rice, and pasta.
Scientific studies have shown that diets rich in refined carbohydrates can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, causing insulin to be released in large quantities. Over time, this can contribute to the development of insulin resistance, a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin, ultimately leading to metabolic dysfunction and other health issues. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlighted the adverse effects of high glycemic index diets, which are often associated with excessive grain consumption, on insulin sensitivity and body weight.[2]
Minimizing Protein
The food pyramid recommended limited amounts of protein. Protein is required for the building, repair, and maintenance of muscles. It provides the necessary amino acids that the body uses to synthesize proteins, supporting muscle health and function.
Further, protein helps increase feelings of fullness and satiety, which can contribute to reduced overall calorie intake. Including protein in your diet can be beneficial for weight management and fat loss. Plus, a protein-rich diet is also known to improve body composition[3], help regulate blood glucose, boost metabolism, support immune and bone health, and much more.
While protein should be the “star” of any plate, the food pyramid put it far down the list.
Neglecting Healthy Fats
Another significant flaw in the food pyramid is its placement of fats and oils at the top, suggesting that they should be consumed sparingly. While it is essential to limit the intake of highly processed seed oils, the pyramid fails to distinguish between healthy fats and unhealthy fats present in processed and fried foods.
Recent research has demonstrated the importance of incorporating healthy fats into the diet for optimal health. For example, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology concluded that higher consumption of unsaturated fats, particularly polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats, is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.[4] The food pyramid’s generalization regarding fat consumption undoubtedly contributes to a misunderstanding of the role fats play in a balanced and nutritious diet.
Influence of Industry Interests
Critics argue that the development and perpetuation of the food pyramid have been influenced by industry interests, particularly those of certain segments of the agricultural and food processing sectors. The prominence of refined grains in hyper-processed foods, for example, aligns with the economic interests of these industries, which clearly prioritize profit over public health.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, discussed the influence of industry on dietary recommendations, emphasizing the conflicts of interest that may arise when organizations responsible for public health guidelines receive funding or support from industries that produce and promote certain foods.[5] Such conflicts of interest can potentially compromise the integrity of nutritional guidance, leading to recommendations that prioritize economic interests over the wellbeing of the American public.
Health Implications of the Food Pyramid
Rising Obesity Rates:
The food pyramid’s emphasis on a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet has been criticized for contributing to the obesity epidemic. The focus on grains as a dietary staple may lead individuals to consume excess refined carbohydrates, which can contribute to weight gain and metabolic disorders.[6]
Cardiovascular Health Concerns:
The food pyramid’s recommendation to limit dietary fat, particularly saturated fat, has been questioned in light of recent research suggesting that not all fats pose a health risk. The avoidance of healthy fats, may lead to an imbalance in essential fatty acids, potentially impacting cardiovascular health.[7]
Blood Glucose Regulation:
The carbohydrate-centric focus of the food pyramid may contribute to issues related to blood glucose regulation. High intake of refined carbohydrates can lead to spikes and crashes in blood glucose levels, potentially increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders.[8]
A flawed nutritional framework
The food pyramid, once considered a guiding light for dietary choices, is increasingly under scrutiny for its potential to mislead and to harm health. The disproportionate emphasis on grains, the limits on protein and fat consumption, and other limitations contribute to a flawed nutritional framework.
A growing body of clinical evidence shows that a diet that keeps blood glucose and insulin low by restricting carbohydrates yet is high in protein and healthy fats leads to superior health outcomes.[9]
Meet Dr. Ben Bikman
Leading metabolic scientist, researcher, professor and best-selling author, Dr. Ben Bikman, has conducted extensive research over the last decade to finally crack the code to lasting weight loss, improved metabolism, enhanced brain and gut health and more.
As a researcher and popular speaker on human metabolism and nutrition, Dr. Bikman has seen the terrible impact a poor diet has on the health and weight of people worldwide.
“My research has shown that you can safely lose weight, keep it off and improve your health with just a simple, yet powerful shift in your diet.”
The changes you need to make are simple and doable. People around the world have already made significant improvements to their weight management and overall health with this health breakthrough.
Bringing solutions from the lab to the real world
Even with all the information that Dr. Bikman shares in his speeches and interviews, he is constantly asked by people around the world what they should do for their health.
“Ideally, we all would have the knowledge, time, discipline and budget to plan, purchase and prepare perfect meals.” said Bikman. “But it simply doesn’t happen; people get busy, they get stressed and they make unhealthy choices that derail their health goals.”
HLTH Code Complete Meal.
Dr. Bikman says these carefully formulated meal shakes can promote healthy weight management, gut health, brain health, even hair, skin and nail health. HLTH Code Complete Meal features an optimized, science-backed blend of protein, collagen, healthy fats, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, fiber, vitamins and minerals—with no added sugar or any artificial ingredients.
“HLTH Code Complete Meal is based on research, not fads,” said Bikman. “An incredible amount of work went into making this nutritionally balanced and optimized, yet we knew that if it didn’t taste good, no one would use them consistently.”
“A HLTH Code Complete Meal shake is the perfect meal because it’s packed with optimized amounts of necessary ingredients to leave you feeling full and energized for hours,” said Bikman.
“Yet it’s more convenient and affordable than virtually any meal you could make or buy.”
Burn fat, support lean muscle
HLTH Code was developed by a metabolic scientist on the forefront of weight loss scientific discovery. With a focus on the three core macros to keep your metabolism burning.
HLTH Code Complete Meal is based on research, not fads. An incredible amount of work went into making this nutritionally balanced and optimized.
The Next Generation Meal Replacement
Backed by science to help you avoid the sugar spikes and keep your body in fat burning mode.
Manage weight
Dense nutrition from quality proteins, healthy fats, fiber and more.
Balance blood sugars
With only 4g NET Carbs and formulated to keep you in fat burning mode.
Support Lean Muscle
Our blend of highly absorbable protein sources stimulates muscle growth production for that toned look.
Enjoy Sustained Energy
Mid-afternoon slump? No more. Sugar cravings? All set. Brain fog? Gone. That’s the benefit of great nutrition.
Healthy Digestion
9g of prebiotic fiber, probiotics and digestive enzymes.
Healthier hair, skin & nails
Usually a pricey add-on, we included collagen for a difference you can see and feel.
Enjoy Sustained Energy
Mid-afternoon slump? No more. Sugar cravings? All set. Brain fog? Gone. That’s the benefit of great nutrition.
Healthy Digestion
9g of prebiotic fiber, probiotics and digestive enzymes.
Healthier hair, skin & nails
Usually a pricey add-on, we included collagen for a difference you can see and feel.
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Bringing solutions from the lab to the real world
Non-GMO
Gluten-free
No soy
No added sugars
No artificial sweeteners
No artificial ingredients
Four simple steps
Easy to follow & proven to work
Start by swapping one to two meals a day
Makes for a delicious, satisfying breakfast, lunch or dinner. It all depends on your goals!
Add water, HLTH Code, shake and enjoy
A healthy meal in seconds.
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Our quick start brochure offers additional meal tips.
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Shakes
Smoothie Bowls
Desserts
Snacks
So Much More Than a Protein Shake
The key to HLTH Code is healthy fats paired with protein your body can actually use. And with only 4g of net carbs*, HLTH Code Complete Meal is the insulin-neutral, keto-friendly, super tasty shake your body’s been craving.
Protein
Not all protein is created equal: Science shows the absolute best protein sources are whey and egg whites, which is why we made the foundation of HLTH Code a power-packed 27 grams of smooth, creamy, non-grainy protein from whey, egg whites, and hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen. It's protein your body can actually absorb and utilize.- Absorbed quickly
Supports lean muscle growth
Supports lean and toned muscles
Helps you feel full
May boost metabolism and reduce appetite
Fats
Fat may get a bad rap out there, but we're finally starting to give healthy fats the credit they deserve. A one-to-one ratio of healthy fats to protein matches what we find in nature, and that’s where HLTH Code stands out. For our premium formulation, we blended beneficial short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acids with a spectrum of fats from coconut, olive oil, flaxseed, cocoa butter, and grass-fed ghee.- Protects heart health
Reduces appetite
Supports healthy cholesterol
May boost brain function
No added sugar
We drew a firm line: No artificial junk. Sweetened with monk fruit and a proprietary form of stevia, you get a delicious flavor without any weird aftertaste. Sweet cravings? We got you covered.
Protein
Not all protein is created equal: Science shows the absolute best protein sources are whey and egg whites, which is why we made the foundation of HLTH Code a power-packed 27 grams of smooth, creamy, non-grainy protein from whey, egg whites, and hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen. It's protein your body can actually absorb and utilize.- Heart health
Supports mental health
Omegas
Our bodies don’t naturally produce omegas, so we need to get them from our diet – and the American diet often comes up short. HLTH Code supplies an ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6.- Glowing, youthful skin
Healthy hair and nails
Joint, cartilage, and bone health
Slows signs of aging
Fiber + Enzymes + Probiotics
Gut health is important. If your meals or meal replacements don’t include probiotics, digestive enzymes, or prebiotic fiber, you’re limiting your potential for feeling great. HLTH Code Complete Meal includes these essentials so your gut can actually put to use the beautiful meals you’ve planned out.- May support healthy regularity
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an age-old cure-all fermented from crushed apples. With vitamin C plus B vitamins, this powerful short-chain fatty acid ranks high in acetic acid and acts as a quick metabolic boost.
Vitamins & Minerals
In case there was any doubt our shakes are truly a “Complete Meal,” we topped off each serving with up to 50% DV of 25 vitamins and minerals – including a healthy dose of Redmond Real Salt, mined from an ancient sea and containing beneficial trace minerals to keep your body's electrolytes up.- Helps fill nutritional voids in our diet
Supports the immune system
Protein
Not all protein is created equal: Science shows the absolute best protein sources are whey and egg whites, which is why we made the foundation of HLTH Code a power-packed 27 grams of smooth, creamy, non-grainy protein from whey, egg whites, and hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen. It's protein your body can actually absorb and utilize.- Absorbed quickly
Supports lean muscle growth
Supports lean and toned muscles
Helps you feel full
May boost metabolism and reduce appetite
Fats
Fat may get a bad rap out there, but we're finally starting to give healthy fats the credit they deserve. A one-to-one ratio of healthy fats to protein matches what we find in nature, and that’s where HLTH Code stands out. For our premium formulation, we blended beneficial short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acids with a spectrum of fats from coconut, olive oil, flaxseed, cocoa butter, and grass-fed ghee.- Protects heart health
Reduces appetite
Supports healthy cholesterol
May boost brain function
No added sugar
We drew a firm line: No artificial junk. Sweetened with monk fruit and a proprietary form of stevia, you get a delicious flavor without any weird aftertaste. Sweet cravings? We got you covered.
Protein
Not all protein is created equal: Science shows the absolute best protein sources are whey and egg whites, which is why we made the foundation of HLTH Code a power-packed 27 grams of smooth, creamy, non-grainy protein from whey, egg whites, and hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen. It's protein your body can actually absorb and utilize.- Heart health
Supports mental health
Omegas
Our bodies don’t naturally produce omegas, so we need to get them from our diet – and the American diet often comes up short. HLTH Code supplies an ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6.- Glowing, youthful skin
Healthy hair and nails
Joint, cartilage, and bone health
Slows signs of aging
Fiber + Enzymes + Probiotics
Gut health is important. If your meals or meal replacements don’t include probiotics, digestive enzymes, or prebiotic fiber, you’re limiting your potential for feeling great. HLTH Code Complete Meal includes these essentials so your gut can actually put to use the beautiful meals you’ve planned out.- May support healthy regularity
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an age-old cure-all fermented from crushed apples. With vitamin C plus B vitamins, this powerful short-chain fatty acid ranks high in acetic acid and acts as a quick metabolic boost.
Vitamins & Minerals
In case there was any doubt our shakes are truly a “Complete Meal,” we topped off each serving with up to 50% DV of 25 vitamins and minerals – including a healthy dose of Redmond Real Salt, mined from an ancient sea and containing beneficial trace minerals to keep your body's electrolytes up.- Helps fill nutritional voids in our diet
Supports the immune system
Protein
Not all protein is created equal: Science shows the absolute best protein sources are whey and egg whites, which is why we made the foundation of HLTH Code a power-packed 27 grams of smooth, creamy, non-grainy protein from whey, egg whites, and hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen. It's protein your body can actually absorb and utilize.- Absorbed quickly
Supports lean muscle growth
Supports lean and toned muscles
Helps you feel full
May boost metabolism and reduce appetite
Fats
Fat may get a bad rap out there, but we're finally starting to give healthy fats the credit they deserve. A one-to-one ratio of healthy fats to protein matches what we find in nature, and that’s where HLTH Code stands out. For our premium formulation, we blended beneficial short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acids with a spectrum of fats from coconut, olive oil, flaxseed, cocoa butter, and grass-fed ghee.- Protects heart health
Reduces appetite
Supports healthy cholesterol
May boost brain function
No added sugar
We drew a firm line: No artificial junk. Sweetened with monk fruit and a proprietary form of stevia, you get a delicious flavor without any weird aftertaste. Sweet cravings? We got you covered.- Absorbed quickly
Supports lean muscle growth
Supports lean and toned muscles
Helps you feel full
May boost metabolism and reduce appetite
Protein
Not all protein is created equal: Science shows the absolute best protein sources are whey and egg whites, which is why we made the foundation of HLTH Code a power-packed 27 grams of smooth, creamy, non-grainy protein from whey, egg whites, and hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen. It's protein your body can actually absorb and utilize.- Heart health
Supports mental health
Omegas
Our bodies don’t naturally produce omegas, so we need to get them from our diet – and the American diet often comes up short. HLTH Code supplies an ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6.- Glowing, youthful skin
Healthy hair and nails
Joint, cartilage, and bone health
Slows signs of aging
Fiber + Enzymes + Probiotics
Gut health is important. If your meals or meal replacements don’t include probiotics, digestive enzymes, or prebiotic fiber, you’re limiting your potential for feeling great. HLTH Code Complete Meal includes these essentials so your gut can actually put to use the beautiful meals you’ve planned out.- May support healthy regularity
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an age-old cure-all fermented from crushed apples. With vitamin C plus B vitamins, this powerful short-chain fatty acid ranks high in acetic acid and acts as a quick metabolic boost.
Vitamins & Minerals
In case there was any doubt our shakes are truly a “Complete Meal,” we topped off each serving with up to 50% DV of 25 vitamins and minerals – including a healthy dose of Redmond Real Salt, mined from an ancient sea and containing beneficial trace minerals to keep your body's electrolytes up.- Helps fill nutritional voids in our diet
Supports the immune system
Expert recommended
Better health. Guaranteed.
Start by replacing one meal per day with delicious Complete Meal, and you will feel and see real results or your money back. It’s that simple.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can HLTH Code help me lose weight?
Weight loss is rarely easy, involving the right changes in both hormones and caloric balance to signal to the body that it’s time to start burning, not storing, fat. Based on the best available studies on human metabolism, Complete Meal is built to help you lose weight without the need for counting every calorie. Many of our customers find that it’s an effective way to jumpstart weight loss, even when they’ve plateaued on a keto or low-carb diet.
This feels a bit pricey.
Let’s do the math: A meal from a drive-thru these days is generally ~$10. Sitting down to eat at a restaurant is easily $25. Not only does it replace a meal for a fraction of the price (as low as $3.33/meal), HLTH Code also replaces your protein shake, vitamins, minerals, collagen supplement, probiotics, fiber, apple cider vinegar and so much more!
Can I use HLTH Code more than once a day?
Yes! Especially if your goal is weight loss. And for our keto friends, as long as your daily meals and snacks total under 25 net carbs, you’ll be fine using HLTH Code up to two times a day. We always recommend enjoying at least one prepared whole food meal, that is high in protein, healthy fats and low in refined carbohydrates.
I'm trying to watch my blood sugar. What can I expect from HLTH Code?
HLTH Code is insulin-neutral, which means HLTH Code won’t spike your blood sugar – in fact, it will help you keep more consistent levels throughout the day.
What's the best meal of the day to enjoy HLTH Code?
Take your pick! A HLTH Code shake is a great way to break a fast and can satisfy your sweet cravings right out of the gate. Or it can make lunchtime at work or on the go super simple. It’s really up to you and what works best for your lifestyle.
How does the shake taste so good?
We’ve committed to using only the highest-quality ingredients, never anything artificial (your tastebuds know!). HLTH Code is naturally sweetened with low-glycemic monk fruit and a proprietary form of stevia to deliver a delicious flavor without the bitter aftertaste you might be used to from other diet or keto products.
Does HLTH Code Complete Meal use any artificial ingredients?
Scientific References
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_adult_09_10/obesity_adult_09_10.htm
- Ludwig DS, Hu FB, Tappy L, Brand-Miller J. Dietary carbohydrates: role of quality and quantity in chronic disease. BMJ. 2018;361:k2340.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7539343/
- Astrup A., Magkos F, Bier DM, et al. Saturated Fats and Health: A Reassessment and Proposal for Food-Based Recommendations. JACC. 2020; 76 (7) 844–857.
- Nestle M. Food politics: How the food industry influences nutrition and health. University of California Press; 2013.
- Mozaffarian D, Hao T, Rimm EB, Willett WC, Hu FB. Changes in diet and lifestyle and long-term weight gain in women and men. N Engl J Med. 2011;364(25):2392-2404.
- de Souza RJ, Mente A, Maroleanu A, et al. Intake of saturated and trans unsaturated fatty acids and risk of all cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. BMJ. 2015;351:h3978.
- Hu T, Mills KT, Yao L, et al. Effects of low-carbohydrate diets versus low-fat diets on metabolic risk factors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Am J Epidemiol. 2012;176(suppl_7):S44-S54.
- Walton, C. M., Perry, K., Hart, R. H., Berry, S. L. and Bikman, B. T. (2019) Improvement in Glycemic and Lipid Profiles in Type 2 Diabetics with a 90-Day Ketogenic Diet. J Diabetes Res. 2019, 8681959
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
