New U.S. Dietary Guidelines: Minsky Says More of the Same

According to Chicagos most popular Nutrition Counselor, Bonnie Minsky, while a few very positive changes (reducing refined carbohydrates, consuming less sodium, consuming more fruits and vegetables, avoiding trans-fats, meeting crucial vitamin/mineral requirements, and promoting more exercise) were recommended, the Dietary Guidelines for 2005 still reek of political and financial motivation.

(PRWEB) January 16, 2005 -- The Department of Health and Human Services created the 2005 Dietary Guidelines based upon the recommendations of a handpicked expert panel. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, of the thirteen selected committee members, seven have or had financial relationships with industry groups such as the Sugar Association, National Dairy Council, and Procter & Gamble. While the government should be commended for suggesting increased consumption of whole grains and reduced amount of refined grain consumption, they single out whole wheat everywhere in their literature as the whole grain example. Is it coincidence that the committee chairwoman was nominated by the Wheat Foods Council? In addition, the Dietary Guidelines increased the amount of suggested dairy servings. Coincidence? Minsky thinks not.

Others in the food industry echo Minskys opinion. As an issue, theres few thats bigger," said Gene Grabowski, a former vice president of the Grocery Manufacturers of America. Every aisle of the supermarket has a lobbyist in town," says food-industry consultant Jeff Nedelman. Marion Nestle, professor of nutrition, food studies, and public health at New York University says creating dietary guidelines is political -- from start to finish. Its science politics. Its politics politics. Its corporate politics."

Commenting on the specifics of the Dietary Guidelines 1600-calorie adult weight loss plan, Minsky believes that most of her clients would gain weight consuming the equivalent of 13 carbohydrate servings daily (six grain, 3-4 vegetable, and four fruit).

According to Minsky, lowering recommendations of essential oils and meat/poultry/fish as the government guidelines recommend, may cause blood sugar imbalances, energy lows, and inability to repair cell damage. With copious evidence-based research for the benefits olive oil and fish, it is essential to get some of each daily. Is it a coincidence that not one individual on the committee was represented by the fish or essential oil groups.

On the heels of the Dietary Guidelines, the new Food Pyramid will be released shortly. If it is more of the same, as Minsky suspects, it will create more, not less, obesity in the United States. Thus, Minsky has created an alternative, entitled Circle of Health Food Chart. Scaled to an average dinner plate, Minsky feels it exhibits exactly what is required to maintain normal weight, and most importantly, optimal health. In addition, the Circle of Health plan encompasses a simple how-to, in which every version of the Dietary Guidelines has failed to accomplish. Circle of Health can be viewed at nutritionalconcepts.com.

Bonnie Minsky, LDN, MPH, MA, CNS is President and Wellness Director of Nutritional Concepts, Inc., established in 1985. Bonnie counsels individuals, corporations, schools, and has performed hundreds of speaking engagements. Minsky has authored two books, Our Childrens Health and Nutrition in a Nutshell.

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