New recommendations 2005 add physical activity with good
nutrition
The Finnish nutrition recommendations have been renewed in 2005.
They are based on the new Nordic Nutrition Recommendations which
were approved in 2004 by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The goal
of the recommendations is to improve the diet of the Finnish people
and public health. As the most important diet-related health
problems are cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity
and dental caries, it is important that Finns:
• have balance between energy intake and energy expenditure
• have a balanced nutrient intake
• increase the intake of carbohydrates with high fiber content
• decrease the intake of refined sugars
• decrease the intake of hard fat and increase the proportion of
soft fats
• decrease the intake of salt (natrium)
• have moderate alcohol consumption
Recommendations on physical activity are also included. The adult
population should undertake a minimum of 30 minutes of daily
physical activity of moderate intensity. For prevention of weight
gain more physical activity, about 60 minutes, may be needed. For
children and adolescents there should be a minimum of 60 minutes of
physical activity every day.
Short food-based guidelines
Food-based dietary guidelines help in choosing food items which
meet the demands of the recommendations. The guidelines aim at an
increased consumption of vegetables, fruit, berries, potatoes,
whole-grain cereal products, low-fat milk products, fish and lean
meat. They also aim at limiting the consumption of salt and salty
foods as well as sugar and sugar-rich foods.
"The food plate” gives the consumers
simple advice on how to build a recommended and nutritious meal
The Finnish Nutrition Recommendations are written only in
Finnish and
Swedish.
The Nordic
Nutrition Recommendations 2004
