Total Diet Approach to Healthy Eating

TOTAL DIET APPROACH TO HEALTHY EATING The foundation of a healthy lifestyle includes physical activity and consuming a balanced variety of nutrient-rich foods and beverages in moderation. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics refers to this as the total diet approach to healthy eating. DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR AMERICANS (DGA) DGA defines "total diet" as everything a person eats averaged out over time - it's the combination of all foods and beverages that give people energy and nutrients. Most adult Americans do not meet the DGA recommendations. 82% DON'T WANT TO GIVE UP FOODS THEY LIKE in order to eat healthier 68% DON'T EAT FRUITS OR VEGETABLES at least twice per day 62% HAVE NO TIME TO TRACK THEIR DIET in order to eat healthier 60% JUGGLE BOTH WORK & FAMILY; PREFER to prep meals in 15 min. 36% HAVE NO LEISURE-TIME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE EATING PRACTICES: • Taste and food preferences • Weight concerns • Physiology • Time and convenience • Environment (home, school, workplace) • Abundance of foods • Demographic factors (age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity) • Media and marketing • Perceived product safety • Culture (heritage, religion, body image) SUPPORT FOR THE TOTAL DIET APPROACH DASH USDA LET'S MOVE • Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) These programs encourage Americans to choose nutrient- • The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) • Campaign launched by the White House • MyPlate Food Guidance System features a SuperTracker that creates a personalized plan with total diet and physical activity dense foods and • Eating plan consists of healthful food choices over time • Aims to reduce child obesity by improving the overall quality of children's diets and increasing physical activity beverages, and reduce intake of saturated and • Endorsed by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services trans fats, added sugars, sodium and alcohol. It boils down to making wise food choices in the context of the total diet. Registered dietitian nutritionists can help establish a healthy lifestyle by teaching people to focus on variety, moderation and portion sizes. eat Academy of Nutrition right. and Dietetics Position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: "Total Diet Approach to Healthy Eating" (February 2013)