New Federal Guidelines

New Federal Guidelines

New Federal Guidelines. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Line On Agriculture.

The USDA and the HHS or Health and Human Services just released their new dietary guidelines. The aim of the new guideline is to help American’s make better food choices and to also confront the growing obesity problem. The 7th edition of “Dietary Guidelines for Americans” places stronger emphasis on reducing calorie consumption and increasing physical activity.

VILSACK: The science behind these guidelines is unquestioned and certainly it’s important for us to send a message to American families that these guidelines are designed to provide them an opportunity for healthy eating habits and healthy lifestyles.

That’s Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack who says that more than one-third of children and more than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese it is important to follow the guideline.

VILSACK: If folks want to maintain a healthy weight they obviously have to be sensitive to the calories in and the calories out.

That of course is basic dieting 101. Burn more calories than you take in…lose weight. One of the highlights of the new report talks about cutting back on sugar and sodium or salt. HHS Asst Sec. Howard Koh says that would benefit a large group.

KOH: Virtually all American’s could benefit from reducing their sodium intake, down to 2300 for the general population and down to 1500 for specific populations.

A big problem in that area is that most foods shelf life is greatly enhanced by the use of salt so most prepackaged foods contain greater amounts of sodium. But according to HHS Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius, that is what this report hopes to do.

SEBELIUS:  Help give American’s the tools they need, the information they need to stay healthy, stay well and thrive and prosper. And one of the most important things we can do, get people information based on the latest science and research and we’re updating that information all the time.

Of course there is the stark realization that I cannot eat the same things over 50 that I ate at 15 or even 25.

VILSACK: There are adjustments that have to be made as we move through various stages of life which is reflected in the guidelines generally in terms of focusing on meal patterns and healthy eating patterns.

Vilsack says at the USDA website you can actually input your personal details to get an idea of how many calories you can consume on a daily basis to lose or maintain weight. My motto has always been eat fresh and in moderation.

That’s today’s Line On Agriculture. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.

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