Daily Recommended Diet

Most people know that nutrition labels regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet. Still, it can be confusing to sort through information about serving sizes and percentages of protein, fat, carbohydrates and minerals in food products. Learning more about daily diet recommendations can help clear up label facts and encourage people to make better food choices.

Implications

The foods that people eat every day have significant effects on their overall health. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, nutritious foods have the potential to boost energy, improve focus and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, asthma and cardiovascular disease. Conversely, eating foods with little nutritional value and high amounts of fat, calories, sodium, sugar or cholesterol can contribute to developing obesity and other health problems.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts labels on processed and prepared foods are printed to help consumers make informed food choices in their daily diets. Among other information, they contain recommended serving sizes and the total amounts of calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates and other nutrients per serving. The FDA recommends that people limit the amounts of total fat, cholesterol and sodium in the foods they choose. Some fat is part of a healthy everyday diet, but in general, most foods in a daily recommended diet should be low in fat and high in other nutrients.

Guidelines

The Mayo Clinic recommends that adults get 45 percent to 65 percent of their daily calories from carbohydrates, 10 percent to 35 percent from protein and 20 percent to 35 percent from fat. The FDA offers additional nutritional guidelines and urges consumers to reach a 100 percent daily value allowance of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron.

Food Pyramid

The U.S. Department of Agriculture food pyramid is designed to guide healthful daily food choices. The pyramid is divided into five main groups: lean proteins, grains, low-fat and nonfat dairy products, fruits and vegetables. For the best nutrition and the most vitamins and minerals every day, choose items that are minimally processed or unprocessed, fresh, ripe and whole.

Considerations

Depending on individual habits, conditions and lifestyles, certain people may need more or less of specific nutrients to be healthy. Menopausal women may need extra calcium, for example, and pregnant women may need extra calories and folic acid. Athletes sometimes require more daily protein than average adults. For tailored daily recommendations, talk with a physician, nutritionist or dietitian.