New Changes About Fat

Dietary fats have been blamed for multiple health issues over the past few decades. In a stunning reversal, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans Committee recently recommended dropping the long-standing federal fat guidelines. The new Dietary Guidelines will be released later this year.

Committee experts said the scientific research does not support the existing suggestion to limit fat intake to no more than 35% of your daily calories. 
- Total fat reduction hasn't necessarily resulted in improved health measures.
- Eating too much saturated fats & trans fats still tends to lead to less healthy outcomes.
- Whether intentionally or unintentionally, many people who attempt low-fat diets end up eating more sugar, salt, & refined carbs. Sugar, salt, & fat tend to make products taste good. So, when manufacturers remove one, they often compensate by increasing the other two. Experts are still concerned about the impact these have on our health.

The take-home message is to focus on choosing quality, healthier foods & fats (often plant based). Although portion control is still important, you can be less strict with healthy fats.

Learn more at:
- WebMD's Fat No Longer the Focus of New US Dietary Guidelines (overview of the changes)
- Harvard School of Public Health's Low-Fat Diet Not a Cure-All (reviews the studies)
- American Heart Association's Fats: The Good, The Bad, & the Ugly (infographic)
- HelpGuide's Choosing Healthy Fats
- EatingWell's 8 Ways to Follow the Mediterranean Diet