Over the last several weeks, we have talked a lot about the different food groups and the macronutrients found in these foods that we need to keep our body running at its best. You may have caught me also mention the Dietary Guidelines for Americans a few times. What exactly are those? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Dietary Guidelines are defined as “advice on what to eat and drink to meet nutrient needs, promote health, and prevent disease. They are meant to be customizable, ensuring to adapt to meet one’s personal, cultural, and traditional preferences.” These guidelines are developed by a team of clinical and nutrition experts and reviewed every 5 years. The current guidelines are for the years 2020-2025.
Current recommendations from these guidelines are as follows. Please note, these are only general guidelines. Individual needs may vary based on several factors, such as medications, current conditions, physical activity level, etc. Always speak with your provider to review your specific needs.
Daily Recommendations for Macronutrients and Fluid Intake
Daily Recommendations for Food Groups (based on sedentary to low active individuals.
The USDA MyPlate website (www.myplateg.gov) provides a user-friendly view that breaks down these recommendations along with tips for how to apply them to your eating patterns. The site even has a recipe collection too!