New dietary guidelines emphasize a lifetime of healthy eating

Source: Janet Mullins, extension professor for food and nutrition

The new dietary guidelines were released in January and encourage all of us to make healthy eating choices throughout our lives to minimize our risks of becoming overweight or obese or developing a chronic disease like heart disease or diabetes. These conditions are often linked to poor diets and physical inactivity.

These guidelines serve as a tool for public health professionals and food service program managers to help individuals two years old and older to get on a path to healthier living. They also serve to guide policy makers. The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services work together to update and revise them every five years.

The latest edition continues to emphasize that Americans need to eat more whole fruits and vegetables. Most fruits and vegetables are naturally low in fat, sodium and calories and are full of essential nutrients. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help lower your risk of developing a chronic disease. A healthy eating pattern includes a variety of vegetables: dark green, red, orange and legumes, among others. An easy way to move toward a healthier eating pattern is to eat more whole fruit. One of the best ways to eat a healthier diet is to focus on making half your plate fruits and vegetables.

If you made weight loss or improved nutrition one of your New Year’s resolutions but have fallen off the wagon, these guidelines offer you a new opportunity to think about ways to jump back on and improve your health. Four out of five Kentuckians and nine out of 10 Americans do not get their daily recommended serving of fruits and vegetables, so most of us have room for improvement.

Look at how you currently eat and see if there are small changes you can make to better the health of everyone in your family. It may be as simple as limiting your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages or snacks. You can also switch from bread, cereals and pastas made of refined grains to ones that are whole grain. Another switch could be going from two percent milk to one percent. Start small by making one change, and it could lead to bigger results.

For more information physical activity and health, contact the Clinton County Cooperative Extension Office.

Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.