We discuss the updated dietary guidelines from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services. These are recommendations for 2020 through 2025. This episode was fun because we reviewed the new guidelines, but then also got to hear Dr. Rigby's perspective on each new guidelines. Sometimes he agreed and sometimes he disagreed.
A highlights from the new guidelines include.
These guildlines influence all programs under the direction of the US government, including military, school lunches, WIC, policy decisions, Head Start, etc.
Items that are new this cycle: There are now guidelines for birth to old age. This includes guidelines for those that are pregnant and who are breastfeeding. (They lengthened the time the recommend exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months.)
They include guidelines for diseases, like cancer, heart issues, obesity.
The new guidelines include 4 key recommendations:
1. limit added sugars to 10% of calories per day
2. Limit saturated fat to less than 10% of calories per day
3. Limit sodium intake to less than 2300 mg / day
4. Limit alcholoic beherages to 2 drinks or less a day for men, and 1 drink or less a day for women
They also recommenda making every bite count, focusing on choosing healthy foods and beverages that are rich in nutrients. and stayin within calorie limits. They discuss the pattern of eating.
The focus is on the combination of food and beverages, not just on individual foods or drinks. They mention that ongoing eating patterns have an influence on an individual's health.
Finally, the guidelines state that an average american's diet aligns with the guidelines at 59 out of 100 on the healthy eating index.
The guidelines are found here: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2020-12/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf
