We Want Your Input to Help Define What Constitutes a Healthy Diet

More fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Less saturated fat and added sugars.

These are some of the evidence-based recommendations presented by the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee to the Departments of Agriculture, and Health and Human Services as part of the revisions to the DietaryGuidelines for Americans that takeplace every five years.

But beforethe Committee’s recommendations can be made official, we want to hear from you.You are invited to submit comments about the guidelines online by May 8, 2015. The submissions will be posted for viewing by May 22.

Some of the Committee’s evidence-based recommendations are:

• More fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are essential for good health. However, today’s typical American diet does not meet the recommended intake levels of these types of foods.
  
  
• Less saturated fat and added sugars. While the intake of fruit, vegetables and whole grains is generally low among the population, the consumption of foods high in saturated fat and added sugars, such as sweetened beverages, is excessive, which in turn contributes to obesity and other health problems.
  
  
• Meat in moderation. Generally speaking, eating too much red or processed meat can impact your health. However, a moderate amount of lean red meat can be part of a healthful diet.
  
  
• Limited amounts of alcohol and coffee. According to the evidence reviewed by the Committee, limited consumption of alcohol and coffee does not tend to affect overall health. In the case of alcohol it is important to note that the Committee’s analysis only applies to adults. Furthermore, alcohol consumption is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals whose health may be adversely affected by alcoholic drinks.
  
  Coffee consumption in moderation can be part of a healthy diet, although it is worth taking into account how much sugar and cream are added to each drink.

• Good health habits. In addition to proper nutrition, it is also important to practice good health habits such as managing your weight, exercising, sharing more family and home-cooked meals, as well as general health monitoring with the help of a doctor.