The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture released Jan. 7 the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provides evidence-based nutrition recommendations and keeps people informed about making healthy food choices.
Here are some things you need to know about the new dietary guidelines:
- If you eat healthy foods consistently you can save yourself from chronic diseases like heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes.
- Healthy eating is one of the most powerful tools we have to reduce the onset of disease. The Dietary Guidelines’ recommendations can help you make informed choices.
- It’s important to follow a healthy eating pattern that’s right for YOU. This pattern can be adapted to an individual’s taste preferences, traditions, culture and budget.
- Healthy eating patterns limit added sugars. Less than 10 percent of your daily calories should come from added sugars. ChooseMyPlate.gov provides more information about added sugars.
- Small shifts in your daily eating habits can improve your health over the long run. Small steps every day can make a difference in working towards a healthy eating pattern that works for you.
- Regular physical activity is one of the most important things individuals can do to improve their health.
- Read more about physical activity in the Department of Health and Human Services’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
- Everyone plays a role in encouraging easy, accessible, and affordable ways to support healthy choices.
Cornell University Cooperative Extension – New York City’s Nutrition and Health Programs put education into action every single day to help low income families lead healthier lives. Our community educators help participants embrace nutrition and health messages from USDA dietary guidelines and ChooseMyPlate.gov.