This was originally written as being an advisor to Americans for Food & Beverage Choice.
Get ready. Get set. New Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) are coming. Every five years, as a joint effort, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture evaluate the latest science and research on nutrition, diet, and health for Americans over the age of two. The 2015 revisions will be released in the next few months.
Despite all the widespread hype regarding sugar, the intake of added sugar has actually “decreased for both males and females across all age groups…” according to the recently released Scientific Report of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Clearly it’s progress.
What is evident throughout the document is the element of choice. The report encourages individuals to combine foods in a variety of ways and develop a personalized plan to achieve their own diet and activity patterns. Though the focus is on an overall pattern of diets high in vegetables, whole grains, and nuts and low in fatty and processed meat, they also say “…it is not necessary to eliminate food groups or conform to a single dietary pattern…” Words like “flexible” are frequently used.
In order to make healthy behavior changes with targeted interventions, it’s likely the new DGS will recommend education as the route to help Americans balance their lifestyle. Though there is a mention of disincentives (that might imply a tax on certain items), let’s hope that part does not make it to the final version. Singling out just one source of calories will have little benefit to the American diet- it needs a much more comprehensive view. Partnerships with schools, worksites and the food industry are just a few ways to step up education. Better education leads to better choices. That’s what works and, ultimately, that means healthier Americans.