USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services have released nutritional guidance in the form of the federal government's 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The purpose of these guidelines is to curb obesity while encouraging healthy food choices that promote health.
Encouraging Americans to consume more healthy foods is one way the guidelines address the obesity epidemic; more than two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese, and the guidelines aim to bring down that number by placing emphasis on balancing caloric intake with physical activity.
The guidelines include Key Recommendations, which are broken down into 23 general recommendations and six recommendations for specific population groups. Each recommendation works with the others to perpetuate an overall healthy behavior and eating pattern. Some advice includes eating less and utilizing small portions, drinking water as opposed to beverages with sugar, and choosing foods with lower sodium content.
The 2010 version is the 7th edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and is part of a joint effort between USDA and HHS as mandated by Congress. To read the guidelines, click here.
Posted: 2/24/11
