Ch-ch-ch-CHANGES In The Nutrition World
Keeping up with world affairs, domestic politics, and your local school board doesn’t leave much room for nutrition news (unless you’re utterly obsessed like me), so let me just tell you there’s A LOT going on!
I’ve been pre-occupied with midterms, so this post is a tad late on the upkeep, so I’m going to dive right in and give you the facts! (Strangely I never wanted to be a reporter…)
Toddlers are LESS obese than they were 10 years ago!
WAHOOOOO!!! Right? Not so fast!
On February 26, 2014 the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) announced that the toddler (2-5 years old) obesity rate dropped 43 percent. Kuddos to these parents, the Let’s Move! campaign, and public health efforts, but these studies did point out some frightening differences in our populations. Children in middle-upper class families experienced the largest decrease in childhood obesity, while those in lower socioeconomic classes did not keep up. It’s time to even things out. There are tremendous resources at http://eatright.org, especially about healthful eating on a budget! ALL of our kids need to get healthy to prevent chronic diseases so they can have prosperous futures!
FYI: This same study announced that there was an increase in obesity in 60 year old+ women. Grandmas…come on!!!! Learn something from these kids or set an example yourself!!!
(Source: https://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1832542)
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Nutrition Facts Labels are getting a MAKEOVER! Your favorite package of (insert favorite packaged food here) may soon start to dress differently! Currently, the fact is that most Americans don’t know what the nutritional information on the side of a package means. The FDA proposed an update that will try to remedy this problem with easier to read labels that promote healthy choices. Here are some of the updated features:
- CALORIE COUNTS and SERVING SIZES will be larger. No more ignorance!
- “ADDED sugars” will be accounted for. Some of the most nutritious foods contain sugar, but most Americans do not know how to differentiate between natural sugars and added sugars. For example, milk can contain anywhere from 11-18g of sugar, which comes from LACTOSE, the natural sugar/carbohydrate in cow’s milk UNLIKE the ADDED sugar that some yogurt companies add to the milk in their products.
- Vitamin D & Potassium values will be added.
- “Amount per (insert specified serving)” will be listed instead of “Amount per serving.” I know that sounds confusing, but if a Serving Size is designated ⅔ cup, then it will read “Amount per ⅔ cup” so there is no confusion as to what a proper serving of packaged food is.
- We tend to ignore proper portions or don’t understand them, so this will make it much simpler. Sorry, but that excuse of “I didn’t know this had 2 servings” will no longer work! #GetHealthy
- “Calories from Fat” no more. We know fat is good for us, so instead of consumers worrying about the calories they eat from fat (in proper portions), we should focus on the TYPE of fat we eat (avocados, nuts, salmon, and seeds are all excellent sources of healthy fats). “Total Fat,” “Saturated Fat,” and “Trans Fat” categories will still be present on labels.
Finally, Happy (Belated) Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day! This day was created by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics to celebrate the hard work and dedication of all RDNs working endlessly to make America (& beyond) a healthier/more nutritious place!
RDN or “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist” is the credential used to describe professionals who have received a comprehensive education and training in the field of dietetics. (Friends, this is what I’m in school for!) I look up to those of you in the field & look forward to joining the ranks soon! For those of you looking for accurate, scientific- and research-based nutritional advice, seek out an RDN near you! Also, to check out some amazing blogs by dietitians, check out The Lean Green Blog’s roundup!
That’s all for now…See you on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter! XO
Yes, the new labels will help….particularly the larger writing and
placement of words. Salt and sugar should stand out first!
Thanks for all your info/suggestions. You’re well on your way to
being the best RDN ever!!