The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services’ latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide a path to improving public health and reducing chronic disease.
They come “when the majority of adults and one in three children is overweight or obese, and this is a crisis that we can no longer ignore,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said.
The main focus of the guidelines is on weight management through reducing calorie intake. Here are some key recommendations:
Enjoy your food, but eat less of it.
Avoid oversize portions.
Eat more vegetables and fruits. Fill half of your plate with them.
Eat more whole grains. They should constitute half of the grains you eat.
Switch to and increase your intake of fat-free or lowfat (1 percent) milk.
Increase the amount and varieties of seafood you eat as a substitute for meat and poultry.
Compare sodium in foods such as soup, bread and frozen meals; opt for those with lower numbers.
Cut back on solid fats, using oils if possible.
Drink water, not sugary drinks.
Balance calories with exercise.