The U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) and Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently issued the 2005 nutrition guidelines to promote health and reduce their risk of major chronic disease. Released every five years since 1980, this year’s updated guidelines address the issues of “super-sizing” in our food choices and sedentary lifestyle. The new guidelines recommend increased physical activity, fewer calories consumed, balanced eating, and healthier food choices.

The government’s recommendations include eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages, and choosing foods that limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt, and alcohol. Additionally, Americans are advised to consume fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains often. Weight management recommendations include balancing the calories consumed from foods and beverages with those that you burn via physical activity. For many people, exercise is not a daily activity, but the government guidelines are advising regular physical activity from 30 to 90 minutes on most days of the week. The guidelines also make modified recommendations based on specific population groups.

Note that the dietary guidelines are used primarily for policymakers, healthcare providers, nutritionists, and nutrition educators, and will be the basis for the government’s upcoming education campaign which will include a new version of the food pyramid.

In the meantime, the guidelines can be used to help make healthier choices. While it is not likely that you will change your diet overnight to meet all of the recommendations, incremental changes can help you reach the guideline goals. Compare your current eating habits to the nutritional guidelines and take steps to increase your physical activity, eat more of the healthy foods that you don’t eat, and less of the unhealthier choices you do eat.

For detailed information from the official document entitled, The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, click on the link below.

http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2005/document/html/executivesummary.htm