Dream Dinners Franchise Reviews the DGAC’s New Dietary Recommendations

Dream Dinners Franchise Reviews the DGAC’s New Dietary Recommendations The health of our nation continues to be at risk. Nearly two thirds of adults and one third of

children are considered overweight or obese - a trend that has been increasing for two decades, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As the American obesity rate continues climb, it should continue to be a concern for our nation. With the escalation of childhood obesity, it is important to be aware of the ever changing dietary guidelines.

Every five years after the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) examines new scientific and medical data and compiles a scientific report revising any guidelines or recommendations. This past February, the committee released its most recent report with updates to its nutritional recommendations. Why is this important? As parents become more educated on the science behind the nutritional guidelines, they become better equipped to provide their children quality, healthy meals.

Dream Dinners wants to help your Dream Dinners franchise spread the word regarding the DGAC’s latest report to you wonderful guests.

Compared to past reports, 2015’s report closely mirrored past reports and recommendations with small adjustments. On the next few slides, Dream Dinners franchise reviews some of the suggestions in greater detail within the following areas:• Red meat Consumption• Saturated Fat• Added Sugars• Fruits and vegetables• Cholesterol

Highlights from the DGAC’s Report

The committee suggested for individuals to cut down on their red meat intake. "We're not talking about excluding red meat completely, but we are recommending reducing red meat intake," saidFrank Hu, a professor at Harvard’s School of Public Health and DGAC committee member. Eating less red meat not only can benefit your health by lowering your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, but it can also benefit our environment by creating a more sustainable environment. If you’re looking to cut back on red meat, try swapping it for healthier items like fish or chicken or other protein-rich foods, like beans and tofu.

Red meat

The committee also recommends limiting the intake of saturated fats. High consumption of foods with saturated fats has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and higher levels of LDL cholesterol ( unhealthy cholesterol.) According to The Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a healthy amount of saturated fat intake should be about 10 percent of your daily caloric intake – about 200 calories for the average person. Fatty cuts of meat, butter, cheese and other high-fat dairy products tend to have high levels of saturated fats, so consider replacing these high-fat foods with healthier items like whole grains, nuts, fish, vegetables or low-fat dairy products.

Saturated Fat

The report recommends limiting the amount of added sugar you consume. Foods with added sugars are those that don’t naturally contain sugar and instead add it in. Added sugars are most commonly found in processed foods like sodas and packaged items. High sugar diets are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, liver problems and type 2 diabetes. To decrease your risk, limit you daily consumption of processed foods. According to The Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 10 percent of and individuals daily caloric intake should come from sugar consumption.

Added Sugars

The DGAC recommends eating lots of fruits and veggies as the benefits to our health are profound. With increased levels of natural vitamins, potassium, fiber and folate, eating the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables has been linked to a decreased risk for developing heart disease, certain types of cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. The amount of vegetables and fruits that an individual should consume depends on many factors like age and gender. For more specific portion sizes please visit the USDA’s “choose my plate.”

Fruits and Vegetables

Naturally found in our bodies, cholesterol, in high amounts has been linked to cardiovascular disease and other ailments. But contrary to popular belief, this year’s DGAC’s report stated that “cholesterol is not considered a nutrient of concern for overconsumption.” Researchers cited NPR by concluded, “there's really not strong evidence to support the idea that eating a lot of cholesterol in foods leads directly to higher amounts of bad artery-clogging cholesterol in our bloodstreams.” As a result, the committee asked for a repeal of the current recommendation for Americans to limit their daily intake of cholesterol to 300 milligrams.

These five areas of interest the report focused on should be top of mind knowledge for moms and dads looking to feed their families hearty, yet healthy meals.

Cholesterol

From here on, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services together will discuss and decide if the findings and recommendations from this report will be included in the 8th edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which will be released this fall. In many cases, politics get in the way and the DGAC’s recommended guidelines are not always included in the amended dietary guidelines.

Regardless of implementation by the government it is important for parents to be aware of the committee’s findings and recommendations.

Where Do We Go from Here?

Are you concerned about the health of our nation’s children and the nutrition of your community? If so, consider becoming a Dream Dinners franchisee. The Dream Dinners franchise was founded with the mission in mind to help bring families together around the dinner table. All Dream Dinners franchisees aim to help busy mothers and fathers by providing a place and the tools to pre-assemble their family’s meals each month. Studies show that children who eat regular, in-home meals with their families have better eating habits and higher nutritional intake then those who do not among many other profound benefits.

Join our family of Dream Dinners franchisees by investing in a Dream Dinners franchise for sale or a new Dream Dinners franchise location. For more information on our franchise opportunities, visit the Dream Dinners franchise information page today.

Become a Dream Dinners Franchisee!