Top 10 List

Here's one Top 10 list from Harvard HEALTHbeat that is neither entertaining nor good for you! But unfortunately this is what people in the US are eating - by choice, by situation or both, and this is why so many Americans are overweight and unhealthy.

 

If you are reading this, your diet is probably on the right track or you are trying to make it better. Good for you! Take charge of your health and be a good role model for those around you.
 

Top 10 sources of calories in the U.S. diet

According to the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (a panel of 13 nutrition experts charged with helping develop federal nutrition standards), Americans are eating many more calories than they used to.

Very few people follow the federal dietary guidelines, which recommend daily servings of dark green vegetables, orange vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat milk and milk products.

Instead, we eat foods full of refined grains, sugar, fat, and calories — just check out the list below.

This is one Top 10 list you don’t want to make. Take a look and see what you can do to get closer to the recommended dietary guidelines.

What Americans eat: Top 10 sources of calories in the U.S. diet

1. Grain-based desserts (cakes, cookies, donuts, pies, crisps, cobblers, and granola bars)
2. Yeast breads
3. Chicken and chicken-mixed dishes
4. Soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks
5. Pizza
6. Alcoholic beverages
7. Pasta and pasta dishes
8. Mexican mixed dishes
9. Beef and beef-mixed dishes
10. Dairy desserts

Source: Report of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee

Here's the guide to think of each time you eat or prepare a meal. Eat a variety of foods. See just how colorful you can make your plate, and you'll be on your way to better health!

Action Item: Think about your own Top 10 list. Does it include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.? If not, try really hard the next few days to make good decisions and better choices with your cooking and eating. Tackle one section at a time. Start by adding fruit to each meal if you don't already. Or cut back on your protein serving size (i.e. no plate-covering steaks) and be creative with other protein-rich foods such as fish and beans. One step at a time.

For Further Reading: Harvard Health Publications, Dietary Guidelines from MyPlate.gov.