Whoopsy! The Government's Been Telling You All The Wrong Things To Eat
And they'd like to continue telling you all the wrong things to eat. And if you listen to them (and eat a low-fat, high carbohydrate diet), you're likely to get fat, fat, fat!
But, published in the current edition of the journal NUTRITION, there's a critique of the proposed 2010 USDA dietary guidelines, and the "science" they're apparently based on. Adele H. Hite and the other scientists who authored the report are calling for an independent audit before the new guidelines are finalized. Here's the abstract:
Concerns that were raised with the first dietary recommendations 30 y ago have yet to be adequately addressed. The initial Dietary Goals for Americans (1977) proposed increases in carbohydrate intake and decreases in fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt consumption that are carried further in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) Report. Important aspects of these recommendations remain unproven, yet a dietary shift in this direction has already taken place even as overweight/obesity and diabetes have increased. Although appealing to an evidence-based methodology, the DGAC Report demonstrates several critical weaknesses, including use of an incomplete body of relevant science; inaccurately representing, interpreting, or summarizing the literature; and drawing conclusions and/or making recommendations that do not reflect the limitations or controversies in the science. An objective assessment of evidence in the DGAC Report does not suggest a conclusive proscription against low-carbohydrate diets. The DGAC Report does not provide sufficient evidence to conclude that increases in whole grain and fiber and decreases in dietary saturated fat, salt, and animal protein will lead to positive health outcomes. Lack of supporting evidence limits the value of the proposed recommendations as guidance for consumers or as the basis for public health policy. It is time to reexamine how US dietary guidelines are created and ask whether the current process is still appropriate for our needs.
Got into a debate with a fresh, newly minted nutritionist at the hospital this week. Seems gub'mint guidelines are Holy Writ and not to be disputed. Am printing this out and carrying this in my clipboard until the next time I see her.
Somewhat related- have taken a page from your book, Amy. Have become hooked on Trader Joe's dry salami. I bring a small baggy of that, plus mozzarella cheese stick as my snack for work. Gets me through until lunch time when I can has a (bacon) cheezburger down in the cafe.
Juliana at October 2, 2010 3:41 AM
Actually, nutritionists are generally the worst on what to eat!
And regarding salami, I'm about to cut up mine to take with me!
Amy Alkon at October 2, 2010 6:55 AM
I'm trying to cut out the french fries and other carbs. The problem is trying find fast food that doesn't have a bun. :-(
Jim P. at October 2, 2010 7:26 AM
Amy Alkon
http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2010/10/02/whoopsy_the_gov.html#comment-1761100">comment from Jim P.Buns aren't bolted to the food! Order your burger without one. Gregg and I do. McDonald's will give it to you in a plastic carryout dish -- same as they will if you order an Egg Mcmuffin without the Mcmuffin. It's the only thing I go all girlfriend on him about -- his health. His dad delivered Wonder Bread for a living, and when I tell the busboy, "Thanks, no bread..." Gregg always mumble/grumbles, "Son of a breadman..."
Amy Alkon
at October 2, 2010 8:08 AM
When I get a burger from Jack-in-the box, I just eat the patty and throw away the bun. Carl's Junior sells a low carb version of all their burgers where they wrap the patty with lettuce instead of using a bun.
Tony at October 2, 2010 9:41 AM
Amy Alkon
http://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2010/10/02/whoopsy_the_gov.html#comment-1761132">comment from TonyThey call that "protein-style" -- Gregg and I order it at In-N-Out.
Fast food is one of the triumphs of modern America. I love it. It's completely amazing that you can be hungry, drive into a lane, talk to a box, pay, and have pretty delicious food come out a window around the building a minute or two later.
Amy Alkon
at October 2, 2010 9:50 AM
Um, just when and how often did well-known institutions claim that a high-carbohydrate diet wouldn't make you fat?
I've never heard that.
I have, however, heard that potatoes are not fattening if you don't put butter or cheese on them. (Or fry them in oil, of course.)
lenona at October 5, 2010 5:18 PM
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