An article in today's LA Times announced the release of the USDA's preliminary 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The latest guidelines are basically the same recommendations issued 30 years ago: cutting back on salt, sugar and saturated fats, and consuming more fruits and vegetables.
The guidelines are available to read or download at the USDA's website.
Government nutritional guidelines would not be of so much concern if they were just guidelines, offered to a population that was then free to choose their individual diets according to personal needs and values. If this were the case, your only objection may be that your tax dollars were wasted.
But, these dietary guidelines will influence decisions in school breakfast and lunch programs, Meals on Wheels, food labeling and in discussions on regulatory issues (e.g. food marketing to children).
Government agencies are already forcing food manufacturers and restaurants to cut the salt content in their food.
With the national healthcare policy coming into effect, the government may be taking a more active role in getting us to eat their grain-based, fat-deficient diet.
Expect incentives to be offered for following the government guidelines. For example, these guidelines may affect your health insurance premiums and coverage.
If you are opposed to the government imposing this high-carb, grain-based diet (or any diet) on you and your family, you have a chance to say so.
Consider one of the following options:
Providing Comments on the Committee's Report
Written comments on the Report can be submitted online and must be received before 5:00 pm EDT on July 15, 2010.
Public Meeting to Solicit Oral Comments on the Committee's Report
A public meeting to solicit oral comments on the Report will be held on July 8, 2010, starting at 9:00 am EDT in the Jefferson Auditorium of the US Department of Agriculture's South Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250.
You must register to attend the public meeting on July 8, whether or not you wish to give oral testimony.
Whether or not you submit comments or testimony, consider supporting people and organizations who promote low-carb nutrition and nutritional freedom.
If you don't have a favorite nutritional expert or organization, check out some of mine:
Innovative Metabolic Solutions
This 8-minute video features some footage that was filmed for Fat Head, with Drs. Mike and Mary Dan Eades and Dr. Al Sears talking about sugar and starch.
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