Wednesday, February 2, 2011

New Dietary Guidelines Recommend Americans Eat Less, Exercise More on ADVANCE for Nurses

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans released by the federal government Jan. 31, offers "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 U.S. are overweight or obese, this 7th edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans places stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity. The new guidelines encourage Americans to consume more healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, and seafood, and to consume less sodium, saturated and trans fats, added sugars and refined grains.

The new guidelines include 23 "Key Recommendations" for the general population and six additional "Key Recommendations" for specific population groups, such as women who are pregnant. These recommendations are the most important messages within the guidelines in terms of their implications for improving public health, according to the government. 

More consumer-friendly advice and tools, including a "next generation Food Pyramid," will be released by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and the Dept. of Health and Human Services in the coming months.

Below is a preview of some of the tips that will be provided to help consumers translate the guidelines into their everyday lives:

  • Enjoy your 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.

Mandated by Congress, the guidelines form the basis of nutrition education programs, federal nutrition assistance programs such as school meals programs and Meals on Wheels programs for seniors, and dietary advice provided by health professionals.

Additionally, the guidelines aid policymakers in designing and implementing nutrition-related programs. They also provide education and health professionals, such as nutritionists, dietitians and health educators with a compilation of the latest science-based recommendations. A table with key consumer behaviors and potential strategies for professionals to use in implementing the guidelines is included in the appendix.

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Any questions, please drop me a line.

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Sincerely,

Andrew Lopez, RN
Nursefriendly, Inc. A New Jersey Corporation.
38 Tattersall Drive, Mantua New Jersey 08051
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