| Food and drinks are necessary for survival and | | | | review on what exactly is healthy eating and |
| the gathering and preparation of foods and | | | | drinking may be needed for the benefits to take |
| beverages consumes a large portion of our daily | | | | place throughout the population. |
| lives and consists of a large portion of the | | | | Many people are familiar with the U.S. guidelines |
| economy. People have become accustomed to | | | | for proper nutrition whether it is knowledge of |
| easy access processed foods. Whereas the | | | | the four basic food groups or familiarity with the |
| viewpoint of food was once "eat to live", it is now | | | | food pyramid. Advances in research have led the |
| "live to eat". | | | | U S Department of Agriculture and the U S |
| Among other things, this change in philosophy | | | | Office of Health and Human Resources to update |
| seems to have correlated with the increased size | | | | the guidelines for healthy eating. Now these |
| of the American population. The ease at which | | | | guidelines will be updated every five years. New |
| food can be obtained, the multitude of food | | | | guidelines will be published April 20, 2010 based on |
| choices, the speed of both food production and | | | | the latest research. The old guidelines |
| preparation has all contributed to the growing | | | | recommended four food groups and the amounts |
| waistline and declining nutritional values. As of | | | | people consume have been changed. There are |
| 2010, approximately 66% of adults over age 20 | | | | now six food groups and recommendations are |
| are overweight to obese. Diabetes and childhood | | | | made not based on specific serving sizes of each |
| obesity are on the rise. Is it possible in this world | | | | group, but on a nutrient dense plan. |
| of convenient fast meals and processed foods to | | | | Recommendations are made for special groups |
| live to eat without gaining weight, raising our | | | | including children, women, those over fifty and |
| cholesterol levels and increasing our risk to | | | | even vegetarians or other special diets. |
| diabetes? | | | | The new food groups are: grains, vegetables, |
| Healthy eating in the new century is easier than | | | | fruits, milk, meat and beans, oils and discretionary |
| ever. Rather than turning to processed foods and | | | | calories. Currently the departments suggest a |
| drinks, buying high fat fast foods or eating sugary | | | | healthy diet include plenty of fruits, vegetables, |
| snacks people can use the convenience of today's | | | | whole grains and low-fat or fat-free milk products. |
| markets to make healthy food and drink choices. | | | | Include but in moderation lean meats, fish, beans, |
| The trend toward healthy eating is spreading. | | | | eggs and nuts. Limit saturated fats, cholesterol, |
| Grocery stores now offer many fresh snacks, | | | | salt and added sugars. |
| ready-made meals, energy drinks and even post | | | | An all-around healthy diet includes nutrient dense |
| easy to see nutritional information. Fast food | | | | foods from a variety of the food groups. |
| chains are now cooking with healthier oils, | | | | Emphasis is on colorful vegetables and fruit, limit |
| eliminating saturate fats, offering lower calorie | | | | intake of animal proteins and use oils sparingly. |
| meals and offering non-sugary beverages in | | | | Variety and individuality in diet is important. No |
| children's meals. Farmers markets offering fresh | | | | two people have the same nutrient needs; each |
| local organic produce can be found in most cities. | | | | should examine their own eating plan and adjust |
| All of these changes have happened quickly so a | | | | accordingly. |