Introduction to Dietary Guidelines

Question 1

Aims of US Dietary Guidelines (USDG)

Answer 1

• To promote health and reduce risk of chronic disease
  
  • Including CV disease, obesity, diabetes, and cancer
• In people over the age of 2

Question 2

Development of USDG

Answer 2

• Dietary recommendations have been issued for 100 years
• USDA + DHHS joint guidelines issued in 1980
• USDG reviewed and reissued every 5 years as coordinated and evidence-based set of recommendations

Question 3

Key messages of the USDG (4)

Answer 3

• Balance calories to manage weight
• Food components to reduce
• Foods and nutrients to increase
• Be active your way

Question 4

Balance Calories to Manage Weight: specifics

Answer 4

• “Enjoy what you eat, just eat less of it”
• Decrease calories and sedentary time, increase exercise
• Maintain appropriate calorie balance

Question 5

Food Components to Reduce: specifics

Answer 5

• Reduce sodium intake to < 2300mg/day
  
  • < 1500mg/day in those over 51 y/o, African Americans, or pts with HTN, DM, chronic kidney disease
• < 10% of calories from saturated fats
• < 300mg/day of cholesterol
• Limit trans fat, partially hydrogenated oils
• Reduce solid fats and sugars
• Limit refined grains
• Enjoy alcohol in moderation
  
  • Males < 2 drinks/day
  • Females < 1 drink/day

Question 6

Foods and Nutrients to Increase: specifics

Answer 6

• Fruits and veggies
  
  • Quantity as well as variety
• Whole grains
• Low fat dairy products
• Wide variety of protein foods including increased seafood
• Replace solid fats with oils
• Choose foods that are sources of potassium, fiber, calcium, vitamin D

Question 7

Be Active Your Way: specifics

Answer 7

• Increase frequency and variety of aerobic, strengthening, balance, and stretching activities
• Even just 10 minutes of walking briskly can be helpful

Question 8

Differences between current typical dietary patterns and US dietary guidelines

Answer 8

• Too much:
  
  • Solid fats
  • Added sugars
  • Refined grains
  • Sodium
• Caloric intake exceeds energy expenditure
• Too few:
  
  • Green vegetables
  • Orange vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains
  • Fruits
  • Low fat dairy
  • Seafood
• Only 6% of Americans achieve recommended target intake for vegetables in average day
• Only 8% achieve recommended fruit intake
• Only 18.8% of Americans consume < 2300mg/day of sodium

Question 9

MyPlate relationship to USDG

Answer 9

• Visual image
• Simple messages, interactive tools + consumer information

Question 10

3 benefits of diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low fat dairy, healthy oils

Answer 10

1. Source of vitamins and minerals
2. Decreased CV risk
3. Happy bowels