The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released today, emphasizing the importance of consuming a balanced diet, eating less sodium and more nutrient dense foods and carefully monitoring what Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack characterized as “calories in, calories out.”
Underscoring that that the Guidelines affirm the role that lean meat and poultry can play in a balanced diet, AMI Executive Vice President James H. Hodges said, “Meat and poultry products are some the most nutrient dense foods available, are excellent sources of complete protein, iron and zinc and maintain an excellent nutrition per calorie ratio. Complete proteins provide all of the essential amino acids necessary for growth and good overall health.”
The guidelines include 23 key recommendations for the general public and six for specific groups like pregnant women. Key recommendations include:
- Increase in vegetable and fruit intake;
- Increase whole grain consumption;
- Eat a variety of protein foods;
- Eat more fish;
- Replace protein foods higher in solid fats with choices that are lower in solid fats and calories and/or are sources of oil.
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