The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2010 (DGAs 2010) are finally here.
Every 5 years since 1980, a group of expert scientists in food and nutrition review the most current evidence on the role of diet to health and disease. On behalf of the USDA and DHHS, they publish the Dietary Guidelines to advise Americans ages 2 years and over about making food choices that promote health and help prevent disease.
What’s new this time? Well, for the first time the DGAs are addressing the serious issue of obesity within the recommendations. In addition to specific, broad-based recommendations, the DGAs have also advised us about the importance of the total diet and the role that a variety of foods and nutrients play in overall health together on the plate. There is also a chapter on food safety, a growing concern in our population today.
Here are the key recommendations of the DGAs 2010:
– Watch and limit total calories (energy balance) for good health and weight management
– Increase fruits, vegetables, whole grains, high fiber foods like beans, healthy fats from nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and low-fat dairy
– Increase sources of (we are falling short of these nutrients in our population): calcium, vitamin D, potassium, fiber
– Limit and reduce SoFAS (solid fats and added sugars) and sodium
– Supplement selectively where there is a specific condition if there are deficiencies
How Much Sugar is Hiding in Your Food? Read our article on Sugar
Wendy Bazilian is a doctor of public health, registered dietitian and freelance writer in San Diego. She is also the Nutrition Advisor at the renowned Golden Door, and Co-owner of Bazilian’s Health Clinic with her husband and business partner, Dr. Jason Bazilian. Dr. Wendy is author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet (Rodale).
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