The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans give positive advice on eating more nutrient-rich super foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lowfat and fat-free milk and other dairy products. The basic components of a healthful diet have not changed, but importantly, the 2005 Guidelines Committee has increased the recommendation for dairy foods from 2-3 servings in the 2000 Dietary Guidelines up to 3 servings of lowfat and fat-free dairy foods every day; the number of whole grains is now 3 servings per day, and the number of fruits and vegetables is 4½ cups.

According to the Guidelines, eating more delicious dairy foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains will help Americans meet their nutrient needs, prevent chronic disease, and still incorporate their favorite foods. Dairy foods are abundant in nine nutrients essential for good health, including calcium, protein, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin and vitamins D, A, and B12. Getting 3 servings of dairy food daily is as easy as enjoying lowfat milk, yogurt or cheese with every meal or snack throughout the day.

Eating more of the nutrient rich super foods recommended in the Dietary Guidelines can easily be put into practice by following the Meal Plan available with delicious recipes at www.nationaldairycouncil.org.

What Is a Healthy Diet?

Are you leaving food groups out of your diet?  Think twice!  The 2005 Dietary Guidelines recommend to “Make smart choices from every food group”, and there are reasons why…

• The best way to give your body the balanced nutrition it needs is by eating a variety of nutrient-packed foods every day such as:
  • Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk products
  • Lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
• Are you reaching for supplements to make your diet nutrient rich?  Look at the example of milk and what you are missing by substituting calcium supplements for milk
• Why eat fruits and veggies when I can just take supplements? There is more to food than just vitamins and minerals
• Diets demand dairy daily. The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans set up a foundation for a healthy diet and they encourage all of us to enjoy 3 servings of non-fat or lowfat milk and dairy products each day.  Moreover, probiotics, which are living microorganisms that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition when eaten in sufficient amounts, are emerging as important dietary ingredients in foods.  In the United States, food products containing these “friendly” probiotic bacteria are almost exclusively dairy products such as yogurt and cultured dairy drinks.