The Seder Plate Food Pyramid

Thousands of years ago the Egyptians were building pyramids. Today, we relive our exodus from Egypt with the help of our Seder plate food pyramid.

The basic Aussie food pyramid (more recently known as the ‘food pie’) is a guideline as to how much we should be eating from each of the various food groups daily. The base of the pyramid is formed by our lovely starch family of breads and cereals, followed by the second layer of fruit and veg. Third in line comes the protein group including meat, fish, chicken, nuts and eggs, and finally at the peak of the pyramid is the ‘extras’ group – oil, chocolate, ice cream, hot chips, alcohol, and so forth.

It would seem that the Hagadah Mavens who created the Seder plate were forward thinkers when it came to nutrition. This traditional plate doesn’t only symbolize our move from slavery to freedom but also represents this pyramid.

At the base of the plate is the ‘breads, cereals and matzah’ group – 3 crunchy matzahs to wet our appetite. Fruit and veg  take a nice chunk out of the plate with bitter herbs, carp-ass and apple contained in the charoset. We then have our protein fix with the shank bone, walnuts and burnt egg. Finally, the red wine in the charoset provides something from the ‘extras’ group. Luckily we don’t have 4 cups of wine on the plate, it would have thrown everything out of balance.

The seder plate even hints to the notion of enjoying small portions. Do not be deceived however, by these bite sized food symbols and the other food restrictions that come along with Pesach. Despite these strict guidelines, our waistlines manage to grow. 


And now to end off with a song:
"Oh yes its Seder night, and the feelings right.."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1oU9_hy3mA