The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s report is inconsistent – and if adopted will lead to conflicting dietary advice.
For instance – the Committee has endorsed the Mediterranean style diet that promotes consumption of higher levels of red meat – but it has left lean meat out of what it considers a healthy dietary pattern. NCBA Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist Dr. Shalene McNeill says the recommendation that a healthy dietary pattern should be lower in red meat is inconsistent with scientific evidence. The committee’s statement disregards the positive role of lean meat – which is one of the most nutrient rich foods. Texas medical doctor and cattle producer Dr. Richard Thorpe says the American diet is already 70-percent plant based – and further emphasizing plant-based diets will continue to have unintended consequences.
The National Pork Board reminds Americans that meat – including pork – is a nutrient-dense food that is not over consumed on average in America – as more than 60-percent of the population consumes the protein food group at or below recommended intake levels. Consuming lean, high-quality protein – like pork – is scientifically proven to help people lose or maintain weight by contributing to feeling full and preserving lean muscle.