(NAFB.com) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association slammed the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s unhinged recommendations that replace high-quality protein like beef with beans, peas, and lentils. “The preview of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee stands out as one of the most out-of-touch, impractical, and elitist conversations in the history of the process,” says NCBA VP of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. “After 22 months of public discussion and lip service to transparency, we are disappointed by the number of chaotic new directions proposed at the literal last minute.” He also says NCBA laughs at the suggestion that beans, peas, and lentils are going to replace lean red meat and fill all the nutrient gaps Americans are facing, noting that it’s a dangerous and deceptive idea. “Beef contributes only five percent of the calories in the American diet but more than five percent of essential nutrients like potassium,” says NCBA Registered Dietitian Dr. Shalene McNeil.