We’re getting reaction to the new dietary guidelines released by the departments of Health and Agriculture. Among other things, the new guidelines urge Americans to prioritize proteins and healthy fats, like fats found in red meat and whole milk, and limit ultra-processed foods and added sugar. Cathy Champagne, a professor of nutrition at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, applauds the call to limit processed foods and added sugars.
“We know that those are not healthy, and they are also related to the level of obesity and other metabolic risk factors,” Champagne said.
Champagne, however, is concerned about the guidance regarding whole fat dairy and red meat. She says while whole fat dairy may be good for some people, it may cause complications in others.
“But if you have a cardiovascular risk, the saturated fat in whole fat dairy might not be advantageous to you,” Champagne warned.
The new guidance also does not place any limitations on red meat. Champagne says the fat in red meat is saturated fat, and that is very unhealthy. She says eating red meat in moderation is okay, and she urges you to choose the cut of meat wisely.
“I just try to find the leanest cut of meat. Or I will trim the fat off of meat, because that fat is not good for cardiovascular disease,” Champagne said.