Brave New Rules

Gone are the days when the government could set health guidelines that stuck. A new 1,000-page report from an Institute of Medicine advisory board has already launched a food fight among dietitians. The key points of contention:

EXERCISE The new guidelines call for an hour a day, twice as much as before. This will dismay the sedentary, but remember: some is always better than none.

DIET The guidelines smile on diets from low-fat Asian to high-fat Mediterranean but frown on Atkins. Aim for 10% to 35% protein, 45% to 65% carbs and 20% to 35% fats (with emphasis on good fats).

SUGAR The board says added sweeteners in candy, soft drinks and pastries can constitute up to 25% of your daily caloric intake. But when everyone agrees that less is better, why encourage sweet tooths?

FIBER Men need 38 grams daily, women 25 grams (both need less after age 50). Most Americans aren't even close.

Next: The food pyramid is due for a makeover. Look for it to grow more top-heavy, with fewer carbs, more oils. A food trapezoid?