National Nutrition Month
New Dietary Guielines
The newly released 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans focus on the importance of following a healthy eating pattern that is right for you. "Healthy eating is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes," says Division of Public Health registered dietitian, Sharon Landvik. “These science-based recommendations can help you live a longer and healthier life."
What to eat less of
“Data tell us Americans eat more added sugar, animal fats and salt than what is healthy for us," Landvik says. "The new guidelines tell us to work for a lifetime eating pattern that cuts back on food and beverages higher in these ingredients. For example, drink water instead of a soda or season food with lemon, herbs and spices instead of salt."
Choose what's right for you
According to Landvik, aside from foods to cut back on, the new Dietary Guidelines say little about amounts of food we should or shouldn’t eat. Instead, the guidelines urge us to eat a variety of healthy foods that fit our lifestyle, culture and budget. At the same time, the guidelines promote regular physical activity and muscle strengthening exercise. “The best way to get regular physical activity,” says Landvik, “is to find an activity you like such as a brisk walk/run or attending a fitness class like spinning or yoga. Physical activity and healthy eating are the most powerful tools we have to prevent disease.”
Check here for information about food assistance.
Make the comparison: 2010 vs 2015
