The new dietary guidelines were released and the main focus is calorie balance, portion control, and enjoying your food. The complete document including a press release can be found here: Guidelines 2015 to 2020
Quick Review of the Dietary Guidelines:
• Enjoy your food, but eat less.
Eat the foods that you love, but pay attention to portions, and SAVOR!
• Avoid oversized portions.
Split large portions with a friend or save the rest for later!
• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables, and include a variety of both.
Follow MyPlate recommendations by loading up on the fruits and veggies!
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) dairy products.
• Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals – and choose the foods with lower numbers.
Packaged goods can be high in sodium, so be sure to read the label!
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
Stay hydrated and drink more water!
Overall the message is to decrease salt, saturated/trans fats, and fast food and to increase seafood, low fat dairy, whole grains, heart healthy fats, and fruits and veggies. The focus is on a real-food approach and enjoying the foods you eat. The dietary guidelines encourage individuals to make changes for a healthier lifestyle, like meal planning, cooking more often at home, and increasing physical activity. The guidelines also provide information regarding pregnancy, vegetarians, and children.
We at Rebecca Bitzer and Associates have the tools you need to help you personalize this advice. We can help you identify nutrient dense foods and how to manage portions. Additionally, we can help you learn the tools and tricks for meal planning and making simple, home cooked meals a reality.
What do you think of these new and improved guidelines?
Do you need help following these guidelines? Reach out to our team of Registered Dietitians for more help at admin@rbitzer.com or call us at 301-474-2499.
An award winning recipe developer, Dietitian Kaitlin’s mission is to empower others to reach their health goals by encouraging them to get back into the kitchen. Co-author of Nourished: 10 Ingredients to Happy, Healthy Eating and Cooking with Diabetes.
