What if we could save you several hours this week?

 

Great news...we can!

 

As you may know, the new dietary guidelines were released last week.  While the intent is good, we are not sure how “actionable” they are.  There is A LOT of information for people to digest (no pun intended)…not to mention, they are somewhat challenging to fully absorb.

So, while the topic is very important, here is what you need to know...

 

EAT REAL FOOD!

 

There you go…we just saved you several hours of your valuable time!  No need to try to read and digest the report!  Of course, read it if you are interested, but the key message is EAT REAL FOOD!

While we are in time-saving mode, let's go for even more!

Try a “slow cooker 2-for-1” meal this week…a great option is the Slow Cooker Balsamic Pork Tenderloin...and then use the leftovers for the Pork and Balsamic Onion Quesadillas!  Or, the Southwest Quinoa with Simple Guacamole is crazy fast and easy!

 

Back to the report...here are the key guidelines:

 

• Follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan (in other words, EAT REAL FOOD!)
• Focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount (in other words, EAT REAL FOOD!)
• Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake (in other words, EAT REAL FOOD!)
• Shift to healthier food and beverage choices (in other words, EAT REAL FOOD!)
• Support healthy eating patterns for all (in other words, help not just yourself, but others to EAT REAL FOOD!)

 

The report also provides some recommendations such as:

 

Consume a healthy eating pattern that accounts for all foods and beverages within an appropriate calorie level.

 

A healthy eating pattern INCLUDES:

• Fruits, especially whole fruits
• Grains, at least half of which are whole grains
• Fat-free or low-fat dairy, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and/or fortified soy beverages
• A variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), and nuts, seeds, and soy products
• Oils

A healthy eating pattern LIMITS:

• Saturated fats (recommended less than 10% of calories per day) and trans fats
• Added sugars (recommended less than 10% of calories per day)
• Sodium (recommended less than 2,300mg per day)

 

The key message from these recommendations?

 

Again, it's EAT REAL FOOD!

 

If you eat a variety of REAL food, you will get the nutrients you need and will automatically crowd out the added sugars, bad fats and sodium.  It’s like magic!  Plus, you will get to enjoy the amazing taste of easy-to-prepare, REAL food meals!

The report says about half of American adults have one or more preventable chronic diseases, many of which are related to poor quality eating patterns and physical inactivity.  Also, in 2012, the total estimated cost of diagnosed diabetes was $245 billion.  How depressing!

Rather than encourage people to read and understand — and most importantly apply — pages and pages of guidelines, we have to simplify our message and approach!  That’s what EAT REAL AMERICA is all about!  And it comes down to those three simple words…EAT REAL FOOD!

Some other “rules of the road" are Michael Pollan’s mantra:  Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.  Very easy to understand and apply, especially if you understand that “Eat Food” means Eat REAL Food!

 

Take a look at Brazil's Food Guidelines.  The “golden rules” include:

 

• Make fresh and minimally processed foods the basis of your diet.
• Use oils, fats, sugar and salt in moderation when preparing dishes and meals.
• Limit consumption of ready-to-eat food and drink products and avoid those that are ultra-processed.

Like many of you, we truly believe that we — all of us, as a community — can make a difference…a huge difference!  Motivate a family member or friend!  Encourage them to make one Eat REAL America meal a week and see what happens!  What's the worst that can happen?  Challenge them to participate in the SuperFood of the Month Challenge!

 

How is your SuperFood Challenge going?

 

Have you tried kale yet?  Have you gotten up close and personal and tried "massaging" your kale?  Another fantastic way to enjoy a kale salad with a dairy free creamy dressing is the Kale Waldorf Salad!  We have been told "I don't like mayo-based salad dressings so I was thrilled to discover this creamy dressing is made with apples, walnuts and cranberries -- plus, it tastes amazing!"  Add this to your list of new ways to try kale from last week's coaching tip!

Whether it's questions about guidelines, or if you need assistance with your kale SuperFood Challenge, please let us know how we can help!