What are the Dietary Guidelines for Americans?

Most Americans have heard of the USDA and their Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). But not many people are truly aware what these DGAs are, and how they are determined. Luckily, this article should provide answers to some of those mysteries! We are going to discuss what exactly the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are, what they mean, and what their purpose is. Let’s get to it.

Who creates the DGA?

Both the USDA and the Department of Health and Human Services are responsible for creating the DGAs. The USDA, by definition, is “a government organization that develops and promotes dietary guidance and nutritional recommendations aimed at improving the health and well-being of Americans.”  THe DHHS motto is “improving the health, safety, and well-being of America.” Together, these organizations further their missions with the creation of these nutritional guidelines to help keep the nation safe and healthy. The DGA is updated every 5 years in order to incorporate the most current knowledge and research about nutrition into its recommendations. 

Purpose of the DGA

The DGAs provide advice on what to eat and drink to build a healthy diet that can promote healthy growth and development, help prevent diet-related chronic disease, and meet nutrient needs. They have recommendations that serve all life stages, from infancy to geriatrics, knowing that each stage of life has different nutritional needs. 

Key Recommendations

According to the DGA, a healthy diet includes:

  • Vegetables of all types
  • Fruits, especially whole fruit
  • Grains, at least half of which are whole grains
  • Dairy, including fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese/soy beverages and yogurt as alternatives
  • Protein foods, including lean meats, poultry, and eggs; seafood; beans, peas, and lentils; and nuts, seeds, and soy products
  • Oils, including vegetable oils and oils in food, such as seafood and nuts

All of these recommendations are pretty standard, and you probably have heard them before. In addition, some of the key things that the DGA warns that you include only in moderation are:

  • Added sugars—Less than 10 percent of calories per day starting at age 2. 
  • Saturated fat—Less than 10 percent of calories per day starting at age 2.
  • Sodium—Less than 2,300 milligrams per day—and even less for children younger than age 14. 
  • Alcoholic beverages

Overall, the DGA provides a very detailed (150+ page!) source of recommendations about what to eat to maintain the best overall health. That being said, listen to your body’s needs, eat what makes you feel best, and remember, all things in moderation! If something makes you happy, go ahead and enjoy it.

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