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Report On Total Diet On Healthy Eating

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Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Position Paper Review
“Total Diet Approach to Healthy Eating”
Rubi Mendoza

The consumption of nutrient rich foods and beverages in moderation, along with the incorporation of physical activity are the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (The Academy) refers to this as the total diet approach to healthy eating. This approach is based on the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The total diet is defined as, “the combination of foods and beverages that provide energy and nutrients and constitute an individual 's complete dietary intake, on average, over time.”1 The total diet approach emphasizes that all foods can be included in a healthy diet, as long as they are in moderation and fall within their caloric limits. Under the total diet approach, foods should not be labeled as good or bad. Giving such label to a food tends to create a black or white thinking when it comes to eating healthy and ultimately resulting in an emphasis placed on individual foods or nutrients. When the isolation happens, this can lead to confusion in the consumer ultimately hindering, instead of facilitating healthy dietary patterns. Having this black or white approach is like same as having a quick fix or a magic bullet approach to weight control. As long as one stays on the diet (target behavior), the person feels in control (self-efficacy) and accomplishment. However, when the person is

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