Hi Reader,

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After reading last week’s email, Mary sent me this question: “What do you think of the new dietary guidelines?”

Oh! I love a meaty question (pun intended, see new pyramid image below).

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The new upside-down pyramid image isn’t helpful, in my opinion. It’s confusing and puts eaters at increased risk of consuming more saturated fat.

The image is misleading and doesn’t align with the actual recommendation of no more than 10% of calories coming from saturated fat. Foods that are only recommended 10% of the time don’t deserve the largest portion of the pyramid.

It’s also misleading and promotes misinformation (nothing new) as it relates to grain-based carbs.

By placing them in the smallest section of the pyramid, it tells people to avoid or reduce their intake.

However, whole-grain complex carbs are beneficial to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Cutting complex carbs is a mental health and energy trainwreck for menopause, leading to less energy, more brain fog and irritability, and worse sleep.

I don’t disagree with the recommendation to reduce intake of ultra-processed foods. BUT!

The recommendation reeks of privilege and elitism. Many people in this country don’t have the means or the skill to prepare fresh, whole-food meals three times a day, every day.

That’s my take so far.

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How are you “digesting” the news about the recent dietary guidelines, Reader?

Hit reply!

I’d rather hear more real-life interpretations than the political or social media noise.

Maybe they align with your ‘why’ behind whatever health goals you have for this year.

That’s cool. No judgment.

It’s important to have a ‘why’ behind any behavior change. That’s what keeps you moving forward when you don’t feel like it.

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For example, here’s a common question I hear from clients. Teresa asked,

“Can I reduce my cholesterol without going on another diet? Heart disease runs in my family. My cholesterol and blood sugar levels have increased over the past year. I’m afraid if I focus on eating healthy for my heart, I’ll get obsessive about food again!”

The ‘why’ is wanting to reduce the risk of heart disease AND have a healthy relationship with food.

Eat when you’re hungry. Stop when you’re full, all without compulsion to finish the chips and M&Ms because they taunt you from the pantry.

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If you want to achieve your health goals without being obsessive about food, apply these steps from last week's email:

1. Define your outcome-based goal
2. Create 1-2 behavior-based intentions that promote your desired outcome
3. Practice your behavior-based intentions consistently
4. Reflect on your practice. Are you willing and able to be consistent with your behavior-based intentions? Stay compassionately curious here! Don’t get judgy or you’ll sabotage your efforts.
5. Decide what’s next. If you haven’t achieved your outcome-based goal yet, what additional behavior-based intentions do you need to set to move forward toward your outcome-based goal?

Rinse and repeat.

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Which of these steps is the easiest? Which of these steps is the most challenging Reader?

Hit reply. Let’s troubleshoot the challenges together 😎

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Have a great weekend, savoring food and your body!

Amanda

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PS: Scroll up for my review of the new dietary guidelines pyramid. Do the new recommendations support your 'why' behind your desired health outcomes? It’s important to have a ‘why’ behind any behavior change. That’s what keeps you moving forward when you don’t feel like it. Scroll up for 5 steps to achieve your health goals without being obsessive about food.