2010 Dietary Guidelines: A Recipe for Healthier Californians

Dairy Council of California Will Help Families Use Guidelines as a Positive Approach to Health

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To combat rising rates of obesity and chronic disease, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines offer a recipe for health that includes more low-fat milk and dairy foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seafood and physical activity.

"Dairy Council's programs and tools emphasize the variety of nutrient-rich food choices people can make from all the food groups," said Mary Anne Burkman, Master of Public Health, Registered Dietitian and Director of Program Services for Dairy Council of California. "The new Dietary Guidelines also take a positive approach by specifically emphasizing foods to increase, like low-fat milk and milk products, as well as fruit and vegetables."

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines recommend 3 daily servings of milk and milk products, including cheese and yogurt, for adults and children 9 years and older. For children ages 4 – 8, the recommendation is increased from 2 to 2.5 servings, and for children ages 2 – 3, the recommendation remains 2 servings.

As part of a balanced diet, consuming milk and milk products is linked to improved bone health, especially in children and adolescents, as well as a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and lower blood pressure in adults. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines include several different dietary patterns that respect personal preference and encourage variety in choosing healthy, nutrient-rich foods.

"Our nutrition programs emphasize food choices that include essential nutrients—calcium, potassium, vitamin D and dietary fiber—versus excluding foods because of sodium, fat or added sugar content," said Burkman. "By balancing your nutrient-rich food choices with physical activity, all foods can fit into a healthy eating pattern."

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services roll out the public-education program related to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans in the coming months, Dairy Council of California will continue to provide positive nutrition guidance and healthy-eating advice to families across California through its nutrition education programs and websites.

For more information about the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, visit http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/DietaryGuidelines.htm.

About Dairy Council of California

Through the nutrition-education programs they develop, Dairy Council of California promotes nutrient-rich choices from all food groups and regular physical activity as the foundation for optimal health. Healthy Eating Made Easier®

SOURCE Dairy Council of California