New dietary guidelines has been released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health. The new guidelines recommend we eat less salt, added sugar, solid and trans fats, statured fats, fast foods and refined grains. It also recommend we eat more seafood, grains, lowfat dairy, healthy oils, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables.

The new dietary guidelines focus on two major themes:

• watching calories to achieve and maintain a healthy weight
• tipping the balance of calorie intake: More calories from nutrition-rich foods, fewer calories from solid fats, sugars, and refined grains.

The guidelines suggests the following:

• Eat more seafood — at least 8 ounces a week
• Eat more fruits and vegetables
• Substitute healthy oils for solid fats (such as margarine)
• Lower your sodium intake
• Avoid fast foods
• Exercise more
• Read food labels
• Substitute whole grains for refined grains
• Eat more beans and peas
• Get plenty of fiber, potassium, and vitamin D
• Eat/drink more nonfat or low-fat dairy products
• Replace high-fat meats with lean meats
• For some Americans, drink less alcohol
• Get off your SoFAS (Solid Fats And Sugars)

Overall the changes will help everyone live healthy, productive lives. The new guidelines should aid in reducing the obesity rate in our country. We now have more children that are obese than ever before in our history.

One excellent way to follow the guideline is to cook at home and eat at home more often. Plan your meals. You can cook your meats and other foods on the weekend and freeze them for the week. This would cut down on your cooking time during the week. You can cook without adding salt and sugar to your foods and still a very flavorful meal.

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