Finnish Nutrition Recommendations  2005

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 model” 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.