This is difficult to present without emphasizing the paragraphs above. Not all ‘diet experts' agree to these guidelines. Weight Awareness is presenting all different types of information and will allow the reader to render their own opinion. All the data and information that is presented is based on science and studies. Other ‘experts' or weight loss diet advocates will strongly defend their dietary basis, and in all fairness should be looked at objectively. Questions should be asked as to whether they are based on physiologic sense. It is for this reason that the section on Nutritional basics and advanced concepts was written. With those nutritional basics, one should be able to at least look over some weight loss diets and see it they make sense for them. We do not advocate one weight loss diet over another and Weight Awareness does not endorse any specific weight loss diet plan. A visit with a health care provider is always a good place to get information that relates directly to you.
The study or cooperative collection of recommendations that has been years in the making and has a great deal of science in it are the US 2000 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines recommend that, to stay healthy, persons aged 2 years and older should follow these ABCs for good health: Aim for fitness, Build a healthy base, and Choose sensibly. To aim for fitness, aim for a healthy weight and be physically active each day. To choose sensibly, choose a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat; choose beverages and foods to moderate intake of sugars; choose and prepare foods with less salt; and if consuming alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.
Many dietary components are involved in the relationship between nutrition and health. A primary concern is consuming too much saturated fat and too few vegetables, fruits, and grain products that are high in vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates (starch and dietary fiber), and other substances that are important to good health. The dilemma is what are the proper amounts of these essential components for good health. Here is where the differing weight loss diet plans are battling for supremacy.
Regardless on percentages of the food group relationships, there are absolute essentials that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans brings to light and warrant attention. It calls for establishing programs to educate children early in childhood. It has been shown that educating school-aged children about nutrition is important to help establish healthful eating habits early in life. Research suggests that parents who understand proper nutrition can help children in preschool choose healthful foods, because the parents will have less influence on the choices of school-aged children. This type of education is recommended to occur in the home and in the classrooms.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that humans choose a variety of grains daily, especially whole grains, and a variety of fruits and vegetables daily. In the United States, persons of all ages eat fewer than the recommended number of servings of grain products, vegetables, and fruits. Vegetables (including legumes, such as beans and peas), fruits, and grains are good sources of vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates (starch and dietary fiber), and other substances that are important for good health. Some evidence from clinical studies suggests that water-soluble fibers from foods such as oat bran, beans, and certain fruits are associated with lower blood glucose and blood lipid level. Dietary patterns with higher intakes of vegetables (including legumes), fruits, and grains are associated with a variety of health benefits, including a decreased risk for some types of cancer.
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