Panel: More Fish, Less Grains in Meals

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Panel: More Fish, Less Grains in Meals

By IRA DREYFUSS, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - A revised food pyramid coming from the government to guide

Americans' eating habits should recommend more fish and fiber and fewer

refined grains such as white bread, federal advisers decided Thursday.

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The advisers, who were instructed by the Agriculture Department to shift the

focus of the guidelines from maintaining a healthy diet to losing weight,

also recommended that people exercise more and watch less television.

As for food, they said the suggested amount of salmon and other fish

containing heart-protecting omega-3 fatty acids should be doubled to two

servings a week of 6 ounces to 8 ounces each.

The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee was to have completed its

recommendations this week. But the panel will need another meeting to finish

because resolving differences over some recommendations was taking more time

than thought.

" They are trying to translate the scientific data into lay language, " said

Hentges, director of the Agriculture Department's Center for Nutrition,

Policy and Promotion. He is responsible for illustrating the guidelines as

an update to the food pyramid, which is due next year.

While the 13-member committee reached conclusions for fish-eaters, the

advice was less specific for people who do not like fish or those whose

diets preclude it.

The committee stood by current guidance that people should eat lots of

different ‹ but healthful ‹ things. For example, fiber can reduce the risk

of heart disease. Good sources of fiber include whole grains, fruits and

vegetables, as opposed to refined grains such as white bread.

Turning attention to exercise, the committee said adults should do 30

minutes to 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity on most

days. The advisers also said that 20 minutes can promote health and fitness

and help maintain weight.

Researchers also have found that young people should be moderately or

vigorously active for at least an hour a day to help them grow strong and

fit. The advisers endorsed that guidance.

They also suggested that everyone get off the couch, especially children and

adolescents.

People who are active can consume more of discretionary calories, such as

sugary or fatty foods or alcohol, the committee said.

Before the recommendations become final, the secretaries of Agriculture and

Health and Human Services (news - web sites) must accept them.