Moderation in Dietary Guidance
Current dietary guidance from leading nutrition and health authorities recognizes that an eating pattern built upon evidence-based recommendations can include small amounts of extras. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics supports an approach of sensible discretion in its position that "all foods can fit within a healthful eating style, if consumed in moderation with appropriate portion size and combined with regular physical activity."
In the context of a total diet, no single food or type of food can ensure good heath, and none is necessarily detrimental to health either. Rather than target specific nutrients or foods to restrict or avoid; it is important to recognize the role of energy balance in healthful eating, with a focus on balancing food and physical activity.
MyPlate, the consumer messaging portion of the Dietaty Guidelines, encourages an overall healthful lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of maintaining calorie balance over time. The Guidelines advise reducing intake of calories from solid fats and added sugars, but also recognize that when nutrient-rich forms of foods are chosen, there is room in the daily diet for extras. A core message to "enjoy your food, but eat less" emphasizes portion control without the need to avoid any food entirely.
Specific to sweets, MyPlate advises that “it’s not necessary to eliminate sweets and desserts, just serve small portions.”
Tips for Implementing Candy in Moderation in Healthful Diets
NCA’s Treat Smarts brochure provides additional tips on eating candy in moderation.