Brazil is in the news recently for its groundbreaking approach to providing guidance on food intake. The traditional (North American) model has us focus on categories of foods such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The basic premise is that we should have more of some things and less of others. And while some of what is recommended makes sense, there has been a substantial research surface lately that suggests that the science behind the so-called traditional approach to food is shaky at best.
Brazil, on the other hand, has taken a far more pragmatic approach to food intake. Their national guidelines don’t dwell on nutrients, calories, or weight loss. They don’t try to fit foods into perfect categories or boxes. Instead, they focus on entire meals and encourage people to cook simple dishes that include whole foods. They also advise people to be VERY critical of over-processed foods and the seductive marketing that goes along with them.
Are the Brazilians on the right track? It’s early and difficult to say. What’s interesting is that the U.S. government is paying close attention and have commissioned their own studies to verify the findings of the Brazilian government.
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