The Language of Health Matters

The title reads: 
FRIDAY, Feb. 20, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- Stop chugging sugary soda and munching sweet treats. Cut back on red meats, butter and other sources of saturated fat. Lay off the salt shaker. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies.

When's the last time you responded favorably to someone telling you to "stop, cut back, or layoff"? The revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans has plenty of that language. In my 20+ years of nutrition consulting I found this style of guidance  counterproductive. That type of language misses the real issue - that people "enjoy" those foods, and taking that enjoyment from them and replacing it with vegetables is asking for a food tug of war. Instead, how about putting the emphasis entirely on the many good and healthful foods that Americans can "add" to their plates. Put the emphasis on "adding" not "cutting". It's natural to feel threatened whenever something is going to be taken from you. Finally, how about making those foods more accessible and affordable for people. I've seen asparagus at $6 per pound, and peppers for $3 each - not exactly in the budget for many well-intentioned people. Sure, you can buy frozen or canned, but that's side steps the "fresh is best" message. Let's make the entire message sustainable and doable.