Dietary Guidelines Urge Healthy Eating Through Moderation

Eat, drink and be merry--in moderation.

Proposed dietary guidelines released by the government Thursday describe eating as “one of life’s greatest pleasures,” while urging Americans to avoid too much saturated fat, sugars, salt or alcohol.

The guidelines, developed by a panel of 11 nutrition experts, do not make any major changes in current recommendations. But, for the first time, they include sections on whole grains and food safety and expanded advice on weight control.

They also attempt a more upbeat approach--for example, urging consumers to “be flexible and adventurous” in selecting foods--and offer more specific choices of foods and ways to prepare them.

“Since there are many foods and many ways to build a healthy diet and lifestyle, there is lots of room for choice,” the introduction says.

First published in 1980, the guidelines are revised every five years to reflect the latest developments in scientific research. Federally funded nutrition programs are required to adhere to the recommendations, which also are used widely by professionals and dietitians in advising consumers.

The departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services will seek public comment on the revised version before making it final later this year.

The new guidelines include some subtle changes in wording meant to make it easier for consumers to adhere to the maximum recommended fat intake while emphasizing that consumers should cut down on the saturated fats found in meat and dairy products.

The current guidelines on fat recommend people follow a diet low in total fat. The new recommendation is for a diet that is “moderate in total fat” but low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

The meat industry does not like the change in wording, fearing it will put a stigma on beef and pork.

The recommended maximum fat intake still is 30% of total calories, or 65 grams a day in a 2,000 calorie diet.