information and advice for people ages two or older to help Americans make healthy
choices about food and beverages
Serve as the basis for federal food and nutrition education programs, like 'MyPlate My
Wins' to help you find resolutions that will help you meet healthy eating goals
Produced by U.S Department of Agriculture and HHS (U.S Department of Healthy and
Human Services) every 5 years
2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans - ANSWER-Focuses on making small shifts
in your daily eating habits to improve healthy over the long run; analyzes the importance
of "eating patterns"
Healthy Eating Patterns - ANSWER-Refers to the combination of all foods and beverages
a person consumes regularly over time; can be adapted to an individual's budget, taste
preferences, traditions, and cultures, and when paired with regular physical activity, can
help people reach and maintain good health while reducing risks of chronic disease
Recommendations - ANSWER-Unchanged from previous editions, and encourage
Americans to consume healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free and
low-fat dairy products, lean meats, seafood, protein goods, and oils; also suggest
limiting sodium, saturated and trans fats, and added sugars
Five Overarching Guidelines - ANSWER-1. Follow a healthy eating pattern across the
lifespan
2. Focus on variety, nutrient-dense foods, and amount
3. Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats, and reduce sodium intake
4. Shift to healthier food and beverage choices
5. Support healthy eating patterns for all
How many Americans are overweight or obese? - ANSWER-2/3, often as a result of
unhealthy diets and a sedentary lifestyle
Limit consumption of salt - ANSWER-Ages 14 and over should limit to less than 2,300 mg
per day and ages 14 and younger should consume even less; use Nutrition Facts label
to check for sodium in processed foods such as pizza, pasta, sauces, and soups
Limit consumption of saturated and trans fats - ANSWER-Less than 10% of daily calories,
and should be replaced with unsaturated fats such as canola or olive oil; foods high in
saturated fats include butter, whole milk, meats than are not labeled as lean, and
tropical oils such as coconut and palm oil
, Limit consumption of added sugars - ANSWER-Less than 10% of daily calories; does not
include naturally occurring sugars such as those consumed as part of milk and fruits,
but sugars and syrups that are added when foods and beverages are processed or
prepared
Healthy choices at home - ANSWER-Small changes, such as adding more veggies,
planning meals and cooking at home, and incorporating physical activity into time with
friends and family
Healthy choices at school - ANSWER-Improve selection of healthy food choices, provide
nutrition education programs and school gardens, increase school-based physical
activity, and encourage guardians to promote healthy changes at home
Healthy choices at workplaces - ANSWER-Encourage walking or activity breaks, offer
healthy food options, and provide health and wellness programs and nutrition
counseling
Healthy choices in communities - ANSWER-Increase access to affordable, healthy food
choices through community gardens, farmers' markets, shelters, and food banks, and
create walkable communities by maintaining safe public spaces
Healthy choices in food retail outlets - ANSWER-Inform consumers about making healthy
changes and provide healthy food choices
SuperTracker - ANSWER-Help you determine what and how much to eat to stay within
your recommended daily calorie needs, let you know if you've met your nutritional goals
each day, or if your intake has exceeded the recommended levels for foods you should
be limiting, such as empty calories, saturated fats, and sodium
8 Healthy Eating Goals - ANSWER-1. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
2. Make half the grains you eat whole grains
3. Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
4. Choose a variety of lean protein foods
5. Compare sodium in foods
6. Drink water instead of sugary drinks
7. Eat some seafood
8. Cut back on solid fats
Eating healthy reduce risks for - ANSWER-Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension
(high blood pressure), some types of cancer, osteoporosis (bone loss)
Eating healthy means - ANSWER-Getting enough vitamins, minterals, and other nutrients
while limiting unhealthy foods and drinks
Nutrition Label - ANSWER-Check for foods lower in sodium and saturated fat (5% or
less), and higher in fiber, calcium, potassium, and vitamin D (20% or more)
Affordable Care Act - ANSWER-Health care reform act passed in 2010 through which
health plans must cover diet counseling for people at a higher risk for chronic diseases
like type 2 diabetes and hypertension
Endurance or Aerobic activities - ANSWER-Increase breathing and heart rate; keep heart,
lungs, and circulatory system healthy and improve overall fitness. Examples include
brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and biking
Strength or Resistance training - ANSWER-Make muscles stronger. Examples include
lifting weights and using a resistance band
Balance exercises - ANSWER-Make it easier to walk on uneven surfaces and help
prevent falls. Examples include tai chi or standing on one leg