The preliminary new Nordic Nutrition recommendations contained a two major changes: the recommendations for carb and fat percentage of the diet are dropped!
The reason is that there’s no good evidence that eating a simple low fat diet results in better weight or health. Even when it comes to carbohydrates the focus in the new recommendations is on quality, not quantity. Thus: more whole grains, fruit and vegetables and less refined carbohydrates.
In theory the limit for fat is just increased from 35 to 40 percent, as there are still limits for different kinds of fat:
Saturated + trans fat maximum 10%
Monounsaturated fat 10 – 20% (increased from 10 – 15%)
Polyunsaturated fat 5-10%
As the protein intake is recommended not to exceed 20% there’s theoretically a limit at a minimum of 40% carbohydrate, compared to the old recommendation of 50 – 60% (from NNR 2004).
So, theoretically two baby steps in the right direction. But in practice this sends a surprisingly strong message: the maximum limit of fat intake is removed! The minimum limit for carbs is removed!
Two pieces of good news.
Press release: New Nordic Nutrition Recommendations – focus on the whole diet
