Dietary 2010 Guidelines just released
The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were just released yesterday. The Dietary Guidelines are updated every five years and released jointly by the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). While many of the recommendations are similar to those previously issued, 2 new messages stand out: eat less and a focus on consuming less salt. As a nutritionist who has been advocating portion control for many years, I was pleased to see the government’s recommendation to “avoid oversized portions.”
Here are selected messages for consumers which were posted yesterday on the government’s website. They are categorized in 3 areas.
Balancing Calories
• Enjoy your food, but eat less.
• Avoid oversized portions.
Foods to Increase
• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
Foods to Reduce
• Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals—and choose the foods with lower numbers.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
I downloaded the entire report–a lengthy 95 pages. The Appendix has a table on key consumer behaviors and strategies for professionals which I think will prove useful. Here are some of their tips:
- Plan ahead to make better food choices.
- Track food and calorie intake.
- Cook and eat more meals at home.
- Reduce portions, especially of high-fat foods.
- Limit screen time
- Increase physical activity
Here is a clip from CBS News with Katie Couric which aired last night at 6:30. (I am featured.)
Here is an article just in from the New York Times.
Take home tip: you can enjoy your foods but be sure to watch your portions.
