With the health status of Americans steadily declining over the past few decades, it’s excellent news that the government is finally overhauling the guidelines.
Did you know that over 70% of Americans are overweight. With about 40% of that 70% being obese, this is a national crisis.
Today the new and updated food guide pyramid has come out and while I haven’t fully digested it ;), I’ll share some highlights here.
Here are some big picture changes
- Protein has increased to 1.2 -1.6g per kg of bodyweight. Encourages protein at every meal.
- Americans should dramatically reduce eating foods with chemical additives
- No amount of artificial sweeteners is recommend as part of a healthy diet
- Americans are told to limit foods and beverages made with petroleum-based artificial dyes.
- Dramatically reduce highly processed, packaged, and ready-to-eat foods.
- Prioritized nutrient-dense, home prepared real food
- Healthy fats from whole foods, olive oil appears to be central.
- Whole grains are still part of the guidelines, but far fewer servings.
One thing that I’m not thrilled about is that alcohol is now “drink less for better health” when in truth, alcohol is toxic to the body and should not be consumed for optimal health.
These are guidelines so remember to use them as such. For example, full-fat milk is in the guidelines, but they may not fit into every persons meal plan.
