1. USDA Food Guides Dietary recommendations since 1894
Evolving according to socioeconomical status of the US public
Combined foods into “food groups”
“Basic 4” in 1956
6 food groups today

2. Dietary Guidelines for Americans
USDA & DHHS since 1980
Revised every 5 years
Includes the USDA Food Guides and a visual image:
Food Guide Pyramid (1992)
MyPyramid (2005)
MyPlate (2010)

3. 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans
by esteemed committee of nutrition scientists
based on the published scientific literatures
recommendations regarding dietary and physical activity pattern

4. Important Facts
Poor diet and physical inactivity are the most important factors contributing to an epidemic of overweight and obesity in all segments of the society
Nearly 15% of American households are currently unable to acquire adequate food to meet their dietary needs

5. Goals
Maintain energy balance over time to achieve and sustain a healthy weight
Focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods and beverages
Nutrients needs should be met primarily through consuming foods, not supplements.

6. Key recommendations Balance calories to manage weight
Reduce certain foods and food components
less sodium, saturated fats, trans fatty acids, solid fats, cholesterol, refined grains, alcohol
Increase certain foods and nutrients
vegetable (dark green, orange, red), fruits, whole grains, low fat milk, soy beverages, low fat proteins, dietary fiber, vitamin D, K+, Ca+
Build healthy eating patterns

7. Obesity Epidemic Know your Estimated Energy Req. (EER)
Prepare, serve, and consume smaller portions of foods
Monitor food intake, body weight, PA
Eating out smaller portion or lower calorie options
Nutrient dense breakfast max nutrient/calorie

8. Reduce Certain Foods Nutrition Facts Panels
Home prepared foods use less Na+, fat, sugar
Fresh foods processed foods are high in Na+
Eating out low Na+ options
Fewer foods with solid fats or added sugar
desserts, sodas, sugar-sweeten beverages

9. Increase Certain Foods
Potassium
Dietary fiber
Calcium
Iron
Vitamin D
Vitamin B12
Folate
Seafood
Beans
Peas
whole-grains and
low-fat dairy products

10. Healthy Eating Patterns
Establish the current food patterns
optimal health = all essential nutrients + limited calories what kinds of foods (food groups) and in what proportion (amount for each food group)
Focus on nutrient density
naturally occurring foods that retains their components
opposite of “junk foods” that have mostly empty calories
Beverages count
such as soda, energy & sports drinks, alcoholic beverages = empty calories with artificial sweetener

11. Call to Action Local, state, and federal groups working together through policies, programs, and partnerships
Ensure that all Americans have access to nutritious foods and opportunities for PA
Facilitate individual behavior change through environmental strategies
Set the stage for lifelong healthy eating, physical activity, and weight managment

12. Why do you think the Food Guide Pyramid and the MyPyramid were replaced?

13. MyPlate Emphasize individual differences Eat the right amount for you
breast-feeding, pregnant, vegetarians, etc.
Eat the right amount for you
½ plate of fruits and veggies
¼ plate of whole grains
¼ plate of proteins (avoid oversized portions)
Summer of 2012: nation-wide focus on drinking water
Winter of 2013: promoting fat-free/low-fat milk
Overarching goal: “be physcially active your way”

14. Institute of Medicine USDA USDA & HHS USDA HHS
Dietary Ref. Intake (DRI) EER
EAR AMDR
RDA AI UL
USDA
Food Patterns
USDA & HHS
Dietary Guidelines 2010
USDA
My Plate
Ongoing research
Updated every 5 years
HHS
Healthy People 2020

15. Healthy People 2020 Nation’s goal for healthy living
Government agencies, communities, and professional organizations
National School Lunch Program
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

16. Goals
Attain high-quality, longer lives free of preventable disease, disability, injury, and premature death.
Achieve health equity, eliminate disparities, and improve the health of all groups
Create social and physical environments that promote good health for all
Promote quality of life, healthy development, and healthy behaviors across all life stages