With about 65 percent of Americans overweight or obese, the United
States government has been motivated to make some major changes
to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. For the first time since
1980, the new guidelines are emphasizing weight loss, in addition
to healthy eating and cardiovascular health. (The changes are also
being used to update the Food Guide Pyramid.)
Some of the new recommendations include:
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Balance calories between the amount you eat and the amount
of energy you burn. For moderately active people between the
ages of 31 and 50, recommended calories include 2,000 per day
for women and 2,400-2,600 for men.
-
Thirty minutes of exercise is minimum.
To maintain weight and prevent weight gain exercise 60 minutes;
exercise 60 to 90 minutes a day to sustain weight loss.
-
Eat at least 4.5 cups of fruit and vegetables a day if you
have a 2,000-calorie diet. Eat more or less depending on the
calorie level.
-
Eat fiber-rich whole fruits and vegetables and whole grains
often. Eat or drink little added sugar or caloric sweeteners.
-
Limit salt intake to about one level teaspoon a day.
-
Keep trans fat as low as possible. Do not exceed more than
10 percent of your calories from saturated fat and no more than
300 milligrams of cholesterol a day.
The food industry has also made some alterations, offering more
products with whole-grains, fewer calories and smaller portion sizes.
Will These Guidelines Work?
Though these guidelines are proposed to help Americans slim down
and get on the path to a healthier lifestyle, some medical professionals
question whether these guidelines will make a difference.
One critic stated, "I don't think many people read them or
understand them because the government puts very little muscle into
marketing them."
Conversely, others feel these changes are a move in the right direction.
One doctor stated, "These guidelines are a clear step ahead
of where previous ones were. The issues on weight control are more
specific than in the past, specifically with exercise and the suggestions
on limiting added sugars and caloric sweeteners and things like
soft drinks."
Either way, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 have been
set, and the government can only hope the changes will result in
a thinner, healthier population.
USA
Today January 13, 2005.
New York Times January 13, 2005
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