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
Consume a healthy eating pattern for all foods and beverages:
- Fruits, especially whole fruits
- Variety of vegetables, such as dark green, red and orange, legumes (beans and peas), and starchy
- Grains, at least half of which are whole grains
- Fat-free or low-fat dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Variety of protein, such as seafood, lean meats and poultry, legumes, eggs, nuts, seeds, and soy products
- Oils that provide essential fatty acids
Limit consuming foods for a healthy eating pattern:
- Saturated fats and trans fats, sodium (salt), and added sugars
Choose beverages that are calorie-free, like water, or that contribute beneficial nutrients, such as fat-free and low-fat milk and 100% juice.
Want to find out more on how to make the healthy choice? Check out the The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 Guide.
Additional Resources
Eat Right. Academy of Nutrition
Georgia Department of Agriculture
Physical
Activity and Nutrition Toolkit: For Georgia Public Schools and School Districts
United Stated Department of Agriculture
Last reviewed 10/3/2024