The byline of my website “Whole Food Vegan” is “Recipes and Policy for Plant People.” I have been writing here and at other vegan lifestyle websites for 3 years. One thing started to become clear to me: veganism seems quite elite. Seems like the “beautiful people” eat plants. “Plant People.” Rich people. Celebrities. People who…
Category: Food Policy
No, the FDA is Not Banning Trans Fats
You may have seen media reports that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is “banning trans fat” from our food supply. Trans fats are highly correlated with coronary heart disease–our number one killer–so much so that the World Health Organization and other public health bodies have determined that there is no amount that can…
Advocacy: My Comments on the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Plus Larabar Recipe!)
The USDA releases dietary guidelines for Americans every 5 years. The proposed guidelines for 2015 have been released by the preliminary advisory committee and they are now being reviewed and finalized by USDA. The nutritional recommendations are based on science, consideration of industry impact, input from the US Congress, White House priorities, and public comment. In…
Hot Potato: Should WIC Guidelines be Changed?
The Women Infants and Children (WIC) welfare program doesn’t allow white potatoes to be purchased with program funds. This policy decision is based on the observation that participants “already eat enough white potatoes.” In response to this the Maine Potato Lobby is urging congress to change the guideline and allow potatoes. It looks like they…
