Healthy Eating Guidelines

The newly revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans recognize that we have eating patterns, which include all foods and beverages we consume. Within a healthy eating pattern there are many ways to achieve a healthy eating pattern and satisfy our cultural and personal preferences.

The guidelines, released in 2015, highlight five recommendations.

Follow a healthy eating pattern throughout your life. All food and beverage choices matter.

  • Calorie needs vary by your age and activity level
  • Choose a eating pattern that supports a healthy body weight, provides adequate nutrition, and reduces your risk of chronic disease
  • A traditional eating pattern, healthy Mediterranean style, or vegetarian eating patterns are highlighted.

Focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount.

  • Choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods across and within all food groups in recommended amounts
  • Nutrient dense foods are brimming with nutrients yet low in calories.

Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake.

  • Key recommendations are to eat less than 10% of daily calories from added sugars
  • Less than 10% of daily calories from saturated fats
  • Consume less than 2,300 mg per sodium per day.

Shift to healthier food and beverage choices.

  • Choose nutrient-dense foods and beverages across and within all food groups
  • Consider cultural and personal preferences to make these shifts easier to accomplish and maintain.Current eating patterns of most Americans do not align with the guidelines. Specifically, our diets are low in vegetables, fruits, dairy and oil
  • Choose whole grains more often and make better protein choices
  • Choose low amounts of added sugars, saturated fat and sodium. We have many opportunities to make better choices.

Support healthy eating patterns for all.

We all play a role in helping to create and support healthy eating patterns in many settings including schools, communities, workplaces, and especially our own homes. This shift to more healthful eating patterns is needed and you can play a role.

Celebrating Success!

I started making breakfast at home during the Walk Kansas program. Typically, I would go to Sonic every morning before work for a grilled cheese and ice tea. I started making oatmeal, toast and tea at home. Even after Walk Kansas ended, I am still continuing with breakfast at home. - Douglas County