Position of the American Dietetic Association: Total Diet Approach to Communicating Food and Nutrition Information

o p BSTRACT t is the position of the American Ditetic Association that the total diet r overall pattern of food eaten is the ost important focus of a healthful ating style. All foods can fit within his pattern, if consumed in moderaion with appropriate portion size and ombined with regular physical activty. The American Dietetic Associaion strives to communicate healthful ating messages to the public that mphasize a balance of foods, rather han any one food or meal. Public policies that support the toal diet approach include the Dietary uidelines for Americans, MyPyraid, the DASH Diet (Dietary Aproaches to Stop Hypertension), Ditary Reference Intakes, and utrition labeling. The value of a food hould be determined within the conext of the total diet because classifyng foods as “good” or “bad” may foster nhealthful eating behaviors. Alterative approaches may be necessary n some health conditions. Eating ractices are dynamic and influenced y many factors, including taste and ood preferences, weight concerns, hysiology, lifestyle, time challenges, conomics, environment, attitudes nd beliefs, social/cultural influences, edia, food technology, and food roduct safety. To increase the effeciveness of nutrition education in prooting sensible food choices, food and utrition professionals should utilize ppropriate behavioral theory and evdence-based strategies. A focus on oderation and proportionality in the ontext of a healthful lifestyle, rather han specific nutrients or foods, can elp reduce consumer confusion. Proctive, empowering, and practical