Myth: I don't need to pay attention to the newly released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Answer: Busted!

Want to learn the latest about healthy eating? The newly released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans aim to promote health, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and reduce the prevalence of overweight and obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity. This report, from the USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, also provides information about keeping your food safe. It is used to form policies and guidelines for federal nutrition programs and to provide nutrition education for the public.

Don’t have the time to read the 112-page report? In the next few months, consumer information based on these guidelines will be made available. In the meantime, take action on the Dietary Guidelines by making changes in these three areas:

Balancing Calories

• Enjoy your food, but eat less.
• Avoid oversized portions.

Foods to Increase

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

Foods to Reduce

• Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals—and choose the foods with lower numbers.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Visit the MissouriFamilies website for more information about nutrition and health.

Contributor: Ellen Schuster, M.S., R.D., Associate State Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, schusterer@missouri.edu, 573-882-1933