Just last week the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) released it's Advisory Report for the 2010 Dietary Guidelines (DG). Prepared by 13 national nutrition and health experts, this report provides the latest scientific evidence around a variety of food and nutrition topics. The public has 30 days to comment on the document, which will be used to develop the specific DG, set to be released by the end of 2010.

Updated every 5 years (since 1980), the DG are used for government nutrition programs and education, as well as by dietitians and health professionals to help educate people about eating healthier. So what's different about 2010?

1. The DGAC has recognized that it needs to address an American public of whom the majority are overweight or obese, yet undernourished in several key nutrients. Sound like an oxymoron?!?

2. The DGAC has recognized that change is needed in the overall food environment to support the efforts of all Americans to meet the 2010 DG.

Given these, the DGAC highlighted several necessary steps:

  • Reduce overweight and obesity of the US population by cutting calorie intake and increasing physical activity.
  • Shift food patterns to a more plant-based diet; but increase intake of seafood and fat-free and low-fat milk and milk products
  • Reduce intake of sodium and refined grains, as well as foods with added sugars and solid fats
  • Meet the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
  • Improve cooking skills and empower Americans to prepare and consume healthy foods at home
  • Increase health, nutrition, and PE programs/curricula in schools and preschools
  • Provide financial incentives to purchase, prepare, and consume healthy foods
  • Improve the availability of healthy foods like fresh produce and seafood
  • Encourage restaurants and the food industry to offer healthy foods served in smaller portions
  • Implement the US National Physical Activity Plan

So what do you think... if the 2010 DG released later this year reflect the above steps, will they make a difference in reducing weight and increasing diet quality in America? Will the food industry listen and become engaged in the process of improving American diets? What do you think needs to be done to improve Americans' eating habits?