A recent study is claiming that the 2010 U.S. dietary nutritional guidelines has made it more difficult for Americans to afford healthy food.
The study says that adding more fiber, potassium, vitamin D and calcium to your diet can also cost American families an extra $380 for their yearly food bill.
Lead researcher in the study, Pablo Monsivais of the Department of Epidemiology and the School of Public Healthy at the University of Washington, said that an alarmingly large portions of Americans can not afford salmon, greens and rice that the government suggests.
“We know more than ever about the science of nutrition and yet we have not yet been able to move the needle on healthful eating,” said Monsivias, reported USA Today. “The government should provide help for meeting the nutritional guidelines in an affordable way.”
Hilary Seligman, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Calilfornia, San Francisco said she agrees with the study, which conducted surveys via phones calls with Washington residents.
“Right now, a huge chunk of American just isn’t able to adhere to these guidelines,” said Seligman, reported USA Today. “Almost 15% of households in American say they don’t have enough money to eat the way they want to eat.”
The United States Department of Agriculture released their plans for the Choose My Plate plan which they hope they will serve as a reminder to eat healthier at meal times.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, said in a statement that he hopes the program will prove beneficial.
“With so many food options available to consumers, it is often difficult to determine the best foods to put on our plates when building a healthy meal,” said Vilsack. “My plate is an uncomplicated symbol to help remind people to think about their food choices in order to lead healthier lifestyles.”
First Lady Michelle Obama also promoted the plan. “This is a quick, simple reminder for all of us to be more mindful of the foods that we’re eating and as a mom, I can already tell how much this is going to help parents across the country. We do have time to take a look at our kids’ plates. As long as they’re half full of fruits and vegetables, and paired with lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, we’re golden. That’s how easy it is.”
