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Just days before the calendar turned to 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released this2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This document is updated and published every five years to provide the most current scientific evidence on what people should eat and drink to promote health, meet nutritional needs and reduce the risk of chronic disease. And with more than half of all adults in America living with a diet-related chronic illness, this is more important than ever.
This blog presents three things you should know about the newguidelines,which you can read in its entirety at www.dietaryguidelines.gov. It is important to note that key values such as macronutrient recommendations and general guidelines are consistent with the previous edition of theGuidelines.
While following a nutrition plan – what theGuidelinesCall a nutritional regimen - based on this document is a safe and effective way to approach nutrition and long-term health and well-being. Talk to your doctor about nutrient deficiencies or special requirements based on your specific health condition.
1. They cover every stage of life, from childhood to old age.
No matter your age, it is never too late or too early to eat healthy. TheGuidelinesNutritional recommendations for all stages of life - infants and young children, children and adolescents, adults, pregnant or breastfeeding women and older adults.
TheGuidelinesProvide three frameworks that can serve as a starting point for a healthier diet: the Healthy US Diet, the Healthy Mediterranean Diet, and the Healthy Vegetarian Diet.
Each of these elements can be customized to your specific needs and preferences. These guidelines should be viewed as an adaptable framework that can be changed to best support optimal health, rather than a strict guide describing exactly which foods, nutrients, food groups and amounts you should eat and drink.
2. They recommend nutrient-dense foods and beverages within calorie limits, taking personal preferences, cultural differences, and budget considerations into account.
Nutrient-dense foods and drinks provide minerals, vitamins and other health-promoting elements with little or no added sugar, sodium or saturated fat. TheGuidelinesInclude recommendations for food groups - vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, protein foods and oils - that form the core elements of a healthy eating pattern at every stage of life. The challenge is eating enough of these nutrient-dense foods while staying within appropriate calorie limits.
Following a healthy diet doesn't leave much room for added sugars, saturated fat and sodium, but small amounts can be added to nutrient-dense foods and drinks to meet food group recommendations. Most of the calories you need to consume each day (about 85%) must meet the food group recommendations in a healthy way, leaving about 15% of your calories for less healthy choices.
Use of theguidelines,Specific food and beverage selections can be made to support individual needs and preferences while respecting the unique dietary practices of different cultures. The key is to start with your personal preferences, incorporate cultural traditions, and take budget considerations into account.
3. They promote real behavior change.
The slogan for the2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americansis “Every bite counts with thisDietary Guidelines"This reflects a shift in the way this document addresses nutrition. In fact, this version of theGuidelinesfits perfectly with ACE's focus on long-term behavior change and the goal of making the best, healthiest choices you can make at every opportunity.
Adopting and maintaining a healthy eating pattern is often an overwhelming task that must be accomplished perfectly to be effective. In this latest version of theGuidelinesA focus is on taking small steps every day to achieve a healthier and more enjoyable way of eating with every food and drink choice. You can view every meal or snack as an opportunity to make the healthiest choice. TheGuidelinesSuggest making healthy choices every day and making nutrient-dense choices for each food.
To turn this aroundGuidelinesCheck out a more practical and actionable resource My plate. This consumer-focused tool can help you adjust thatGuidelinesto meet your personal preferences, cultural traditions and dietary habits, and budget considerations to achieve healthy eating habits.