USDA Official Visits Pennsylvania to Highlight New 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
COLLEGE STATION, Penn., April 8, 2011 – Dr. Robert Post, Deputy Director of the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP) addressed the Penn State Symposium on nutrition policy regarding the new 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are the Federal government's evidence-based nutritional guidance to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and reduce the prevalence of obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity.
"These new dietary recommendations give individuals the information to make thoughtful choices of healthier foods in the right portions and to complement those choices with physical activity," said Dr. Post. "In order to win the future, we need a healthy America. Improving our eating habits is not only good for each of us, it is also good for the country."
The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans establish the scientific and policy basis for all Federal nutrition programs, including research, education, nutrition assistance, labeling, and nutrition promotion. The Guidelines offer advice for healthy Americans about making food choices that promote health and reduce disease risk. The Guidelines provide a consistent, science-based foundation for nutrition efforts by the various government agencies. All federally-issued dietary guidance for the general public is required by law to be consistent with the Guidelines.
More consumer-friendly advice and tools will be released by USDA 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 life:
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.
The Guidelines come at a critical juncture for America's health and prosperity. By adopting the recommendations, Americans can live a healthier life and contribute to a lowering of health-care costs, helping to strengthen America's long-term economic competitiveness and overall productivity.
USDA and HHS have conducted this latest review of the scientific literature, and have developed and issued the 7th edition of the Guidelines in a joint effort that is 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.
The Guidelines, based on the most sound scientific information, provide authoritative advice for people 2 years and older about how proper dietary habits can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases. The Guidelines aid policymakers in designing and implementing nutrition-related programs, and also provide education and health professionals, such as nutritionists, dietitians, and health educators with a compilation of the latest science-based recommendations.
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