Nutrition Standards

Nutrition

An unhealthy diet serves as a leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and related chronic diseases. In Georgia, the prevalence of such chronic conditions are at an all-time high with nutritious food consumption at a low. In recent surveys, 41.5% of adults reported consuming fruit less than one time daily, and 19.7% reported consuming vegetables less than one time daily. For adolescents (students in grades 9-12), 48.2 consumed fruit less than one time daily, and 43.3% consumed vegetables less than one time daily. Through making healthier choices in diet and encouraging others we can prevent and control chronic diseases in Georgia.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Focused on encouraging health and reducing risk of disease through good nutrition and physical activity, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) worked together to develop evidenced based nutritional guidelines known as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for 2020-2025.

The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize 4 overarching guidelines for Americans which include:

Follow a healthy dietary pattern at every life stage.
Customize and enjoy nutrient-dense food and beverage choices to reflect personal preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations.
Focus on meeting food group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages and stay within calorie limits.
Limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limit alcoholic beverages.

Recommendations

A healthy eating pattern includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages, such as:

Fruits, especially whole fruits
A Variety of vegetables, such as dark green, red and orange, legumes (beans and peas), and starchy vegetables
Grains, with at least half being whole grains
Fat-free or low-fat dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
Variety of protein sources, such as seafood, lean meats and poultry, legumes, eggs, nuts, seeds, and soy products
Oils that provide essential fatty acids

For optimal health outcomes, individuals should limit consumption of:

Saturated fats and trans fats, sodium (salt), and added sugars

Beverage choices should prioritize water and other calorie-free options, or beverages that contribute beneficial nutrients, such as fat-free or low-fat milk and 100% fruit or vegetable juice (within recommended limits).

Want to find out more on how to make the healthy choice? Explore the The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 Guide.