The big news about the updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released this month by the United States Dept. of Agriculture, is that they look a lot like the older guidelines. For olive oil fans, this is great news!

Though the typical American may not pay too much attention to these guidelines, the recommendations mentioned are a key resource for policy makers and health professionals. The suggested guidelines also have a substantial influence on national school lunch programs, WIC, and SNAP-Ed. In addition to this, the dietary guidelines extend the general, urgent push to get Americans to start a healthier diet.

For those who are interested in learning about what we should be consuming for maximum health benefits, the updated dietary guidelines are definitely worth a look. Instead of reading the 570 page guideline, we simply broke it down to the key points to save you the hassle:

  • Incorporate olive oils, but be sure to limit saturated fats and trans fats.

  • Eat a variety of veggies from all sub-groups—dark green, red and orange, legumes, starchy and others.

  • Whole fruits are a better choice.

  • Consume a variety of proteins, such as seafood, lean meats, poultry, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products.

  • Limit sugar to less than 10 percent of total daily calories.

  • Choose natural whole grains over processed grains.

  • Eat fat-free or low fat dairy, including milk, yogurt, cheese and/or fortified soy beverages.

To see the rest of the official recommendations listed in the guideline, click here.

The splendid news for olive oil lovers, is that healthy olive oil continues to be an essential building block to creating a healthier eating pattern. To no one’s surprise, Olive oil was never called into any controversy during the congressional hearings, unlike the recommendations of limiting the intake of sugar and red meat.

Even better news is that olive oil is an easy addition to incorporate into diets that follows the USDA’s recommendations. Here are some simple methods on how to add it to your dish:

  • Use oils in a simple vinaigrette or as a dip for fresh-baked whole grain bread.

  • Make a fresh garden pesto with basil and garlic from the farmers market and California Olive Ranch’s fruity Arbequina.

  • Drizzle a little over a whole grain pasta dish and fresh steamed veggies.

The possibilities are truly endless and proof that a healthy diet doesn’t have to be a boring or undesirable diet! For more health conscious recipes that could include olive oils, vinaigrette’s and more, please check out Carter & Cavero’s recipe blog here! We also recommend you see some of our high quality olive oils here too!