Posted Feb 2, 2011
To review the new nutrition guidelines, go to www.health.gov/DietaryGuidelines.
It’s all about balance and the scale is tipping now away from meats and toward a more plant based and fish filled diet. The advice from the Agriculture and Health and Human Services Departments is for nutrient-dense foods to fill our plates.
The big thing is thinking about calories in vs. calories out … that means the amount we consume compared to what we burn off.
Lower saturated fats and replace with healthy fats — like those in avocados.
Decrease added sugars like in sodas and cereals.
And lower salt intake! Only a half a teaspoon a day for those older than 50, African Americans, anyone with high blood pressure or diabetes.
Other healthy people only get a teaspoon of salt a day … that’s 2300 mg.
And you have to count the salt already added to foods like bread, chicken and pasta. Once you factor that in, you can barely reach for the salt shaker.
Finally — if you choose nutrient-rich foods, you will automatically be able to lower all of the negative food factors.
Victoria Shanta Retelny, Nutritionist: “Nutrient dense is getting the most bang for your caloric buck, meaning you are gettng more nutrients in the food you eat, so per calorie you’re getting a lot of nutritional value so those are the types of foods you want to eat to promote good health.
“Nutrient-dense foods are jammed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, things that the American diet is lacking. The other thing, on the flip side, if you have nutrient-poor food, it has more fat, cholesterol, sodium, so things that can really harm your health. That’s why nutrient-dense foods are more vital to your health.”
To learn more about Vicki Shanta Retelny, go to www.livingwellcommunications.com
For more health news and information, check out www.HealthKey.com
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