One of the biggest food-related news stories this week was the announcement of new Dietary Guidelines for Americans released jointly by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The objective of “Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020” is two-fold: help Americans choose healthy foods and prevent diet-related diseases.
The entire document can be found on the Health.gov Web site. In brief, the new Dietary Guidelines make the following recommendations:
The new Dietary Guidelines are based on a diet of 2000 calories a day.
The entire document can be found on the Health.gov Web site. In brief, the new Dietary Guidelines make the following recommendations:
- Sugar consumption should be no more than 10% of calories.
- Dietary cholesterol isn’t as bad as once thought, but since foods most foods that are high in cholesterol are also high in saturated fat, it is still advised to watch dietary cholesterol input.
- Eat seafood, lean meat, and poultry for their protein. The controversial bacon and hot dogs are allowed, as long as sodium, saturated fats, added sugars and total calories fall within government guidelines.
- Eat fruits, vegetables and grains, especially whole fruit and whole grains.
- Drinking alcohol in moderation is okay.
- Eat as little saturated fat and trans fat as possible.
- Restrict sodium (salt) to 2300 milligrams per day.
- Emphasize foods consistent with the Mediterranean Diet or Vegetarianism.
- Every American, from school to work to communities, is entitled to eat healthily.
The new Dietary Guidelines are based on a diet of 2000 calories a day.
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