Nutrient Density? That's What I JUST Said!

As some of you may be aware, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans are published every five years with revisions as needed. The 2010 guidelines took a little longer and were just finally published yesterday (January 31, 2011). In the Executive Summary, which is posted on the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion website, they talk about two overarching concepts that the recommendations encompass:

1. Maintain calorie balance over time to achieve and sustain a healthy weight.
2. Focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods and beverages.

Wait, what was that? Nutrient-dense foods? Ah ha! I just wrote a blog about the importance of eating nutrient-dense foods. Looks like that concept will be at least attempting to force its way into American homes everywhere starting now. The recommendations further outline what Americans should be eating and how much they should be exercising, but here is one that is new and noteworthy:

• Choose foods that provide more potassium, dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamin D, which are nutrients of concern in American diets. These foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and milk and milk products.

So make sure to slice some banana into that fiber-rich cereal after you pour on the vitamin D-enriched non-fat milk, add a side of quinoa and squash to your salmon, and throw some avocado and papaya onto that spinach salad! As the government says, "By adopting the recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines, Americans can live healthier lives and contribute to a lowering of health-care costs, helping to strengthen America’s long-term economic competitiveness and overall productivity." FUN!