Recommendations of the Surgeon General's Report - Diet and Nutrition

Recommendations of the Surgeon General's Report

Issues for Most People:

• Fats and cholesterol: Reduce consumption of fat (especially saturated fat) and cholesterol. Choose foods relatively low in these substances, such as vegetables, fruits, whole-grain foods, fish, poultry, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Use food preparation methods that add little or no fat.
• Energy and weight control: Achieve and maintain a desirable body weight. To do so, choose a dietary pattern in which energy (caloric) intake is consistent with energy expenditure. To reduce energy intake, limit consumption of foods relatively high in calories, fats and sugars, and minimize alcohol consumption. Increase energy expenditure through regular and sustained physical activity.
• Complex carbohydrates and fiber: Increase consumption of whole-grain foods and cereal products, vegetables (including dried beans and peas), and fruits.
• Sodium: Reduce intake of sodium by choosing foods relatively low in sodium and limiting the amount of salt added in food preparation and at the table.
• Alcohol: To reduce the risk for chronic disease, take alcohol only in moderation (no more than two drinks a day), if at all. Avoid drinking any alcohol before or while driving, operating machinery, taking medications, or engaging in any other activity requiring judgment. Avoid drinking alcohol while pregnant.

Other Issues for Some People:

• Fluoride: Community water systems should contain fluoride at optimal levels for prevention of tooth decay. If such water is not available, use other appropriate sources of fluoride.
• Sugars: Those who are particularly vulnerable to dental caries (cavities), especially children, should limit their consumption and frequency of use of food high in sugars.
• Calcium: Adolescent girls and adult women should increase consumption of foods high in calcium, including low-fat dairy products.
• Iron: Children, adolescents, and women of childbearing age should be sure to consume foods that are good sources of iron, such as lean meats, fish, certain beans, and iron-enriched cereals and whole-grain products.