Revised dietary guidelines prod Americans to eat healthier

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February 4, 2000

Web posted at: 2:27 PM EST (1927 GMT)

 

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The government is trying a more upbeat approach to getting

Americans to eat right and watch their weight. Proposed new dietary guidelines

call eating " one of life's greatest pleasures " and urge consumers to " be

flexible and adventurous " in picking foods.

 

The guidelines, which were developed by a panel of 11 nutrition experts, don't

make any major changes in recommendations from the existing version but include

special sections for the first time on whole grains and food safety and expanded

advice on weight control.

 

They also provide more specific choices of foods and ways to prepare them, while

advising consumers not to " overdo on fat (especially saturated fat), sugars,

salt and alcohol. "

 

The guidelines were first published in 1980 and are revised every five years to

reflect the latest developments in scientific research. Federally funded

nutrition programs are required to adhere to the recommendations, and they are

also widely used by professionals and dietitians in advising clients.

 

" They've done a really nice job of developing guidelines that are really

user-friendly and correspond with what we know from the current literature, "

said Cyndi Thompson, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association.

 

The departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services are to take public

comment on the revised version before making it final later this year.

 

The new guidelines include some subtle changes in wording meant to make it

easier for consumers to adhere to the maximum recommended fat intake while

emphasizing that consumers should cut down on the saturated fats found in meat

and dairy products.

 

The current guidelines on fat recommend that people follow a diet that is low in

total fat. The new recommendation is for a diet that is " moderate in total fat, "

but low in saturated fat and cholesterol.

 

Research by the food industry indicates consumers are put off by the term

low-fat and see a moderate-fat diet as easier to follow, even if the fat content

is the same. The recommended maximum fat intake is still 30 percent of total

calories, or 65 grams a day in a 2,000 calorie diet.

 

" What they're trying to do is come up with wording that is positive and has some

degree of hope, " said Thompson, a nutrition expert at the University of Arizona.

" They're trying to say: Be moderate, be sensible, that all foods can fit into a

healthy diet, you just can't overconsume. "

 

The meat industry doesn't like the change in wording, fearing that it will put a

stigma on beef and pork.

 

" We believe it's a real unfair implication, " said Al Tank, chief executive

officer of the National Pork Producers Council. " The implication is that you

should avoid all foods of animal origin. "

 

" Food choices should not be just about the amount of fat consumed, " said Mary K.

Young, executive director, nutrition, at the National Cattlemen's Beef

Association. " Food choices should take into account the important nutrients in

foods that are needed for healthy diets. " She said beef is a good source of

iron, zinc, protein and B vitamins.

 

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