Chapter 2 Shifts Needed To Align With Healthy Eating Patterns

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Introduction

Following healthy eating patterns is vital to health. This chapter provides a snapshot of current eating patterns of people in the United States in comparison to the recommendations in Chapter 1. Key Elements of Healthy Eating Patterns and describes shifts that are needed to align current intakes to recommendations. In some cases, the news is good—for certain aspects of eating patterns, some individuals are following the guidance or are close to meeting the recommendations. However, other aspects of the diet are far from the recommendations. Most Americans would benefit from shifting food choices both within and across food groups and from current food choices to nutrient-dense choices. Some shifts that are needed are minor and can be accomplished by making simple substitutions, while others will require greater effort to accomplish.