Overall Eating Patterns Are Most Important for Healthful Eating: Updated ' Total Diet' Position of Academy from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

CHICAGO – The overall pattern of food that a person eats is more important to a healthy diet than focusing on single foods or individual nutrients, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in its newly updated position paper "Total Diet Approach to Healthy Eating."

According to the position paper: "In contrast to the total diet approach, classification of specific foods as 'good' or 'bad' is overly simplistic and may foster unhealthy eating behaviors." The Academy's position paper stresses that moderation, portion size and exercise are the key concepts for balancing food and beverage intakes. Read more:

Overall Eating Patterns Are Most Important for Healthful Eating: Updated ' Total Diet' Position of Academy from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics