20 3.4 Dietary Recommendations and Nutrition Labels
20 3.4 Dietary Recommendations and Nutrition Labels
Dietary Guidelines and Key Recommendations
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that individuals consume foods which are nutrient-dense from each of the major food groups. Foods that are high in calories (i.e., foods that provide a large amount of energy for the body), but low in nutritional value are referred to as “calorie-dense” foods. Conversely, foods that are high in nutrients (i.e., foods containing an abundance of vitamins or minerals) but are low in calories are referred to as “nutrient-dense.” The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that individuals consume foods which are nutrient-dense from each of the major food groups for optimal health (DeSalvo, Olson, & Casavale, 2016; Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2016; Millen, et al., 2016).
- Vegetables
- Grains
- Fruits
- Dairy
- Proteins
- Oils
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourage individuals to make behavioral changes in their eating patterns by focusing on small, healthy dietary shifts or substitutions (such as choosing nutrient-dense foods and beverages in place of less healthy, calorie-dense options). The Dietary Guidelines claim that these healthy behavioral shifts may be achieved by following five overreaching Guidelines: (Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2016)
- Follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan.
All food and beverage choices matter. Choose a healthy eating pattern at an appropriate calorie level to help achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, support nutrient adequacy, and reduce the risk of chronic disease. - Focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount.
To meet nutrient needs within calorie limits, choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods across and within all food groups in recommended amounts. - Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake.
Develop an eating pattern low in added sugars (Note: added sugars are not naturally found in food, and have been added in the processing or preparation of food), saturated fats, and sodium. Cut back on foods and beverages higher in these components to amounts that fit within healthy eating patterns. - Shift to healthier food and beverage choices.
Choose nutrient-dense foods and beverages across and within all food groups in place of less healthy choices. Consider cultural and personal preferences to make these shifts easier to accomplish and maintain. - Support healthy eating patterns for all.
Everyone has a role in helping to create and support healthy eating patterns in multiple settings nationwide, from home to school to work to communities.
In addition to the aforementioned five Guidelines, the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans outlines several Key Recommendations for how an individual may maintain healthy eating behaviors throughout the lifetime (Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, 2016).
- Consume a healthy eating pattern that accounts for all foods