June 3, 2011

Carbohydrate, Protein and Fat: Is the Question Quantity or Quality?

green plateOn June 2, 2011 the food pyramid was put to rest and the simple, straightforward plate was introduced as the new icon for healthy eating. While I'm pleased with this new colorful, simplified food icon, I by no means think it will put a halt to nutrition debates, including these two questions:

  • What percent of calories from carbohydrate, protein and/or fat should we eat?
  • Is it healthier or better for managing blood glucose or fat levels to eat more or less: carbohydrate, protein or fat?

These questions, in my humble opinion, have and continue to receive too many research dollars and too much media (and thus, consumer) attention.

Please hear me out...

We seem fixated on the quantity questions regarding our, so-called macronutrients – our main sources of calories (that’s carbohydrate, protein and fat). Yet the research to date as well as the recommendations from respected bodies, such as Institute of Medicine and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Advisory Committee Report, proves out a few stark realities. I’ll delve into these here and detail why our focus should be squarely on the quality of carbohydrate, protein and fat we eat, not the quantity.

 

Warshaw is profiled as "Inspiring RD" in chat with Rima Kleiner, RD

Rima Kleiner's recent blog post Chat with an Inspiring RD: Hope Warshaw, provides Warshaw's top three tips for healthier restaurant eating, her thoughts about where the dietary guidelines 2010 fell short and why parents need to be concerned about their child's weight and eating habits. Yes, also learn about Warshaw's food fix. 

Warshaw quoted in The ZIED GUIDE - Do the New Food Rules Make or Miss the Mark?

Just before the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released, Elisa Zied, MS, RD, author of The ZIED GUIDE, asked a few colleagues to state what they wished to be included in these healthy eating to dos. Zied recently followed up, after the Dietary Guidelines were made public on 1/31/11, to see whether our wishes came true.

Warshaw's Wish for 2010 Dietary Guidelines, Focused on Fiber, Included in The Zied Guide (1/26/11)

In anticipation of the big reveal of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines on 1/31/11, dietitian and author of The Zied Guide, Elisa Zied, went to a handful of dietitians to ask what they wish for in this next iteration titled Experts' Wishes for New Dietary Guidelines. My wish?