Health News
- Federal Dietary Guidelines Recommend Cutting Back On Red And Processed Meat, Sugar And Refined Grains
The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services have released proposed 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The guidelines, released every five years, "provide authoritative advice about consuming fewer calories, making...
- Healthy Food Is Less Expensive Than Junk Food, Study Finds
Though it's widely believed that healthy food is more expensive than junk food, a new government analysis shows that does not have to be the case. "In fact, carrots, onions, pinto beans, lettuce, mashed potatoes, bananas and orange juice are all less...
- ?bad? Foods That Are Good For You
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom In my book, there are no bad foods, just bad portions. You?re not a nutritional slacker if you enjoy flavorful, high-fat foods or other favorites. You can learn some strategies to include them in a healthy diet ? and avoid...
- Potatoes Are Bashed!
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom No, it?s not a typo ? I didn?t mean potatoes are mashed! Potatoes, yet again, are under fire. The USDA has recently recommended that potatoes should be OFF the school lunch menus ? and join a list of other ?limited? starchy vegetables...
- What Colors Are Your Fruits And Vegetables?
What Colors Are Your Fruits and Vegetables? by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom One key to good health is a ?colorful plate.? Colorful fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamins and minerals, as well as ?phytochemicals.? That?s a fancy word for plant nutrients...
Health News
Meatless Mondays Controversy
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
While it?s hard enough to follow a healthy diet, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) found itself in a pickle recently, with a recommendation in its online newsletter to adopt the idea of ?Meatless Mondays,? and replace a meat entrée with a vegetarian option.
Sounds good, right? But big problems arose immediately, and that recommendation was taken off of the website. Why? Because the USDA represents ALL foods, and groups like the National Cattlemen?s Beef Association found that to be a biased recommendation toward vegetables and away from beef.
In such a politically charged climate, where even a basic suggestion to broaden your food horizons is met with controversy and claims of bias, what is a consumer to do?
There?s no easy answer, but common sense is a good place to start. There are health benefits to both meat and vegetables. Moderation is key. Stick with a variety of foods, seasonal and simply prepared, for best nutrients and cost savings. Watch out for processed foods, with loads of hidden salt, sugars, and fat. If it doesn?t look like one of nature?s originals, limit your intake.
If you want to try a Meatless Monday, you have a lot of options. Prepare a vegetable stew, with chunks of tofu replacing beef. Or mash black or red beans to spread on a tortilla, topped with lettuce, onions, and shredded cheese. If you're new to vegetable proteins, try some soy crumbles (in the frozen foods section) in your marinara sauce, to top some whole wheat pasta.
Going meatless one day a week is a good way to trim extra calories and fat, and reduce your "carbon footprint" to support a healthier environment.
It?s a great idea, and not just on Mondays, if it suits your needs!
What have you tried for Meatless Monday?
- Federal Dietary Guidelines Recommend Cutting Back On Red And Processed Meat, Sugar And Refined Grains
The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services have released proposed 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The guidelines, released every five years, "provide authoritative advice about consuming fewer calories, making...
- Healthy Food Is Less Expensive Than Junk Food, Study Finds
Though it's widely believed that healthy food is more expensive than junk food, a new government analysis shows that does not have to be the case. "In fact, carrots, onions, pinto beans, lettuce, mashed potatoes, bananas and orange juice are all less...
- ?bad? Foods That Are Good For You
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom In my book, there are no bad foods, just bad portions. You?re not a nutritional slacker if you enjoy flavorful, high-fat foods or other favorites. You can learn some strategies to include them in a healthy diet ? and avoid...
- Potatoes Are Bashed!
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom No, it?s not a typo ? I didn?t mean potatoes are mashed! Potatoes, yet again, are under fire. The USDA has recently recommended that potatoes should be OFF the school lunch menus ? and join a list of other ?limited? starchy vegetables...
- What Colors Are Your Fruits And Vegetables?
What Colors Are Your Fruits and Vegetables? by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom One key to good health is a ?colorful plate.? Colorful fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamins and minerals, as well as ?phytochemicals.? That?s a fancy word for plant nutrients...