The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are the cornerstone of Federal nutrition policy and nutrition education activities.
USDA and HHS Announce New Dietary Guidelines to Help Americans Make Healthier Food Choices and Confront Obesity Epidemic
2010 Dietary Guidelines is available at www.dietaryguidelines.gov.
For more information on dietary guidelines, see: www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines and www.healthfinder.gov/prevention
WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2011
— Agriculture Secretary TomVilsack and Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Kathleen Sebelius today announced the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the federal government's evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity.Because more than one-third of children and more than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, the 7th edition of Dietary Guidelines for Americans places stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity.
"These new and improved dietary recommendations give individuals the information to make thoughtful choices of healthier foods in the right portions to complement those choices with physical activity. The bottom line is that most Americans need to trim our waistlines to reduce the risk of developing diet-related chronic disease," said Secretary Vilsac.
The new 2010 Dietary Guidelines focus on balancing calories with physical activity, and to encourage Americans to consume more healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and seafood, to consume less sodium, saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and refined grains.
Below is a preview of some of the ips that will be provided to help consumers translate the Dietary Guidelines into their everyday lives:
*Enjoy food, but eat less.
*Avoid oversized portions.
*Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
*Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
*Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals - and choose the foods with lower
numbers.
*Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
The Dietary Guidelines, based on the most sound scientific information, provide authoritative advice for people 2 years and older about how proper dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic disease.
