How much do you know about what makes up a healthy diet? Dietary guidelines released in a joint effort between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) can answer your questions.
The Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 details the benefits of good dietary habits for every American two years of age and older. The United States Dietary guidelines are updated every five years; the last update was in 2005.
One way this report differs from earlier editions is that the 2010 report addresses Americans, the majority who are overweight or obese, yet still undernourished of vital nutrients. The committee found that “on average, Americans of all ages consume too few vegetables, fruits, high-fiber whole grains, low-fat milk and milk products, and seafood and they eat too much added sugars, solid fats, refined grains, and sodium.”
The report on the dietary guidelines contains a call for America and Americans to take action in many different areas such as:
- Reduce the prevalence of overweight/obesity in the United States,
- Reduce overall calorie intake,
- Increase physical activity,
- Shift diets to focus on plant-based foods with emphasis on vegetables, cooked dry beans, fruits, whole grains, and nuts and seeds,
- Increase the consumption of fat free and low fat milk and milk products,
- Eat moderate amounts of lean meats, poultry, and eggs, and
- Reduce the intake of foods with added sugars and solid fats.
Research has shown that following the above recommendations leads to good health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, some cancers, and heart disease.
Meeting the recommendations in the report doesn’t fall solely on the individual. Obesity is a nationwide problem and needs to be addressed by all segments of society including individuals, families, communities, health care providers, public health workers, politicians, policy makers, and businesses. Once all these individuals and groups work together, change can be made.
