New U.S. dietary recommendations shift focus to whole foods

Federal officials released new Dietary Guidelines urging whole foods and limits on highly processed products, including advice of no more than 10 grams of added sugars per meal. The guidelines also endorse some foods higher in saturated fat and recommend consuming less alcohol without specific daily limits.

Federal officials released new Dietary Guidelines this month that call for Americans to eat whole foods and limit highly processed products. The guidance recommends fruits and vegetables, foods rich in protein, and whole grains instead of chips, candies and cookies. It also advises Americans should have no more than 10 grams of added sugars per meal. The guidelines endorse some items once discouraged by many nutritionists, including foods with higher saturated fat content. The guidance also shifts alcohol advice, calling for drinking less without setting specific daily limits. What the guidelines say: - They prioritize whole foods and recommend limiting highly processed foods. - They advise no more than 10 grams of added sugars per meal. - They endorse some foods higher in saturated fat that had previously been discouraged. - They recommend fruits, vegetables, protein-rich foods, and whole grains instead of chips, candies and cookies. - They call for consuming "less alcohol for better overall health" and abandon specific daily alcohol limits. Summary: The changes shift federal advice toward whole, less processed foods and alter prior guidance on saturated fats and alcohol. Undetermined at this time.