If you’re like most of the country, it’s currently snowing outside your window and you have zero desire to leave your couch. That makes this the perfect time to slog through the newly released 571-page report prepared by the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. The report is meant to offer recommendations for the 2015 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, scheduled to be released later this year.
What’s that? You just realized that you need to shovel the driveway and you don’t have time to read 571 long, verbose pages of dietary guidelines? Well, lucky for you, we’ve done the legwork for you, highlighting what we think is the most exciting part: the emphasis on delicious, creamy low-fat and fat-free dairy products!
Dairy Still Rules in New Report
You know the drill
Your overall eating plan should focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low- or non-fat dairy, seafood, legumes, and nuts. Things to consume in moderation include red meat and processed meats, alcohol (for adults only). Keep it low when it comes to refined grains and sugar-sweetened foods/beverages.
Dairy = The Bomb
Keep consuming lowfat and fat-free dairy products, like skim or one percent milk, unsweetened kefir and yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. Dairy products are strong sources of critical but under-consumed nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, and potassium. The report goes further to say, “consumption of dairy foods provides numerous health benefits, including lower risk of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and obesity.”
You are now free to shovel. When you come back in, shake off the snow and warm up with a cup of Coconut Hot Chocolate with Whipped Kefir Topping. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, check out our wide variety of recipes (some just the thing for a cold winter’s day) over at our Recipe archive – we’re sure you won’t regret it!