Quinn on Nutrition: Multiple choices from 2015 Dietary Guidelines
A new report was just released by the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC).
It's snowing in Denver. And I'm at the airport, wondering if I'll make it home tonight. So naturally, I roam around and look for something to eat.
What an opportune time to think about a new report just released by the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC). Every five years, this esteemed group of nutrition professionals convenes to review the findings from current nutrition research. Based on the evidence at hand, these advisors makes recommendations out of which will become the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Here are some questions this report asks us to consider:
One of every two American adults : a) has no idea how to choose a healthy diet; b) has at least one chronic disease that could be prevented with better habits; c) prefers chocolate chips cookies to fresh fruit. Answer: b.
Two of every three adults in our country are now a) delayed in the Denver Airport because of snow; b) looking for something to snack on; c) overweight or obese. Answer: c
Research studies show that a diet chronically low in calcium, vitamin D, fiber, and potassium is a) the American way; b) a public health concern; c) what adversely affects our health. Answer: b, c.
Based on scientific evidence, we can improve our health and prevent chronic diseases when we eat more a) foods from the Denver airport; b) vegetables; c) whole grains; d) low fat milk and yogurt. Answers: b, c, d.
Studies show that people who eat higher intakes of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, low- or non-fat dairy foods, seafood, legumes and nuts are less likely to: a) miss their connecting flight; b) develop chronic diseases like high blood pressure or heart disease; c) order double bacon cheeseburgers. Answer: b, c.
The only two characteristics consistently identified to improve health outcomes in every major diet study are: a) peanuts and beer; b) ice cream and chocolate; c) vegetables and fruit. Answer: c.
While I wait and pray for snow to be cleared from the runway, food choices that might prevent me from getting a chronic disease include: a) butternut squash soup; c) baby spinach salad with quinoa, raisins, and vinaigrette dressing; c) lowfat milk; d) pepperoni pizza and a soda. Answer: a, b, and c.
The good news about current nutrition research is that a) we can never eat another steak as long as we live; b) kale burgers are the wave of the future; c) we don't have to completely eliminate any food group to sustain our health. Answer: c
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(Barbara Quinn is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. Email her at bquinn@chomp.org .)
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