The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee came out with their report this year, in preparation for the Dietary Guidelines For Americans, 2015 to be released later this year. Much of the report is reinforcing the guidelines from 2010, but the committee is emphasizing a few important things.
Based on the report, Americans are eating too much sugar, saturated fat and salt. This is increasing risk of chronic diseases in the US. Nutrients of concern that Americans aren't getting enough of include Vitamin D, calcium, potassium, fiber, and iron.
Here is a "cheat-sheet" of what you need to know from this latest report:
Worst foods in the American diet: burgers, sandwiches, tacos, pizza, desserts, sweet snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
Sunny Side Up Please: There is no clear link between cholesterol people eat and blood cholesterol levels. If you want to have an egg with breakfast, go for it.
Saturated Fats Are To Blame: Saturated fats are tied with high cholesterol levels. Limit mixed dishes (burgers, tacos, and pizza) and other sources of saturated fat (fatty meats, desserts, etc).
Hit Up Starbucks: Drinking 2-5 cups of coffee a day is not linked to long-term health risks. This might actually be a way to reduce Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease.
Put Down The Candy Bar: Sugar is something that we are getting too much of. Snack cakes, sweets, sugary soft drinks... beware.
Fruits & Veggies: Keep you mom happy by eating broccoli at dinner ;)
Whole Grains: Get plenty of them, and swap out refined white bread for whole wheat.
The committee recommends following a type of Mediterranean diet (go Greeks!) or the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet.
Xoxo,
Stefani