U.S. Dietary Guidelines Could Lean Towards Beans

The five-year time horizon for new USDA dietary guidelines is just about up. That means it’s time to open Pandora’s box. 

Potential updates: In a nutlentilshell, the advisory committee to the Ag Department is recommending Americans up the ante on beans, peas, and lentils and cut back on red meat. 

The committee, composed of public health and medical sector professors, have given a thumbs-up to plant-based proteins based on a review of published studies that detail links between diet and chronic health conditions. 

Plant pushback: The proposed guidelines have red meat proponents riled up. The Meat Institute and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association both responded with statements highlighting the benefits of red meat. They point to the hefty protein and nutrient punch that comes from meat. 

Soundbite: “Public health advice should be based on the totality of scientific evidence. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee ignored robust and rigorous scientific evidence about beef’s essential nutrients and the foundational, positive role it plays in health as a preferred protein food in a variety of healthy diets for all Americans.” — NCBA President Mark Eisele. 

Where this goes: Public comments fiery responses are open for 60 days. In January, there will be a public meeting to discuss debate the report. After that, a re-arranged food pyramid-slash-myplate may arrive to help us decide between steak versus lentil soup.