Added Sugar

The 8th edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are a welcome change! Instead of the previous editions focusing on individual food groups, the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines now focus on healthy eating patterns’ food and nutrient characteristics. When I work with clients, I repeatedly emphasize the importance of balanced meals with good combinations of complex carbs (whole grains, fruits and veggies), lean protein (fish, poultry, beans, lean cuts of pork and red meat) and heart healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados).  This daily combination can minimize risks for chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and heart disease.  It is exciting to see that the Dietary Guidelines now emphasize this sort of balanced nutrition as well. (more…)