New Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The USDA recently released revised dietary guidelines in the attempt to help Americans make better food choices, reduce risk of chronic disease, and reduce the prevalence of obesity.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasizes the importance of reduced calorie consumption and increased physical activity. The new dietary guidelines encourage Americans to add more fruits and vegetables to their diets, along with increased whole grains and protein.

Based on the recommendations for the dietary guidelines, the components of a low GI (Glycemic Index) diet could prove beneficial. The new guidelines provide a breakdown of specific food items that decrease bad carbohydrates and increase good carbohydrates.

For example, new 2010 dietary guidelines specify 1 ½ cups per week of dark-green vegetables, 5 ½ cups per week of red and orange vegetables, 1 ½ cups per week of beans and peas, 5 cups per week of starchy vegetables and 4 cups per week of other vegetables (based on a 2,000 calories a day) for the vegetable food group.

To see more specific breakdowns of each food group, and Dietary Guidelines for children, vegetarians, vegans, the elderly, and pregnant women, please visit the USDA 2010 Dietary Guidelines.

In an attempt to help consumers make better choices, food manufacturers are putting more emphasis on product awareness. Claims such as whole grains low sodium, no trans-fats, and no added sugar are now showing on product labels.

The dietary guidelines are a good start, but keep in mind that social, cultural and economic pressures affect obesity and lack of physical activity. Getting adequate sleep, reducing your stress, getting daily exercise, and a daily vitamin supplement regimen can also help improve your overall being. Take the necessary steps to improve your health.