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Dietary Guidelines for Americans

I plan what I’m going to make for dinner for the whole week. Then I make out my grocery list and never shop hungry. Since I have all the ingredients for my meals, I'm not tempted to order a pizza or run out for fast food.

—Rodney

I buy fresh fruits and vegetables in season and save money this way. If I want berries in winter, I buy the frozen kind. Or, when I see chicken breasts or turkey breasts on sale, I buy several packs and freeze any extras to use later.

—Carla

Stretch your food dollars by making a second meal from leftovers—just add items you already have in your pantry. I can make a low-cost, tasty meal in 15 minutes! And my family gets a healthy dinner.

—Padma

Once a week I make big batches of food in my slow cooker. I chop up lots of vegetables and put them on the bottom, then place some lean meat on top. I spend my time doing fun things instead of cooking, and we can get three tasty, healthy suppers.

—Anh

A healthy diet can reduce the risk of major chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and some cancers.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 provides evidence-based nutrition information and advice for people age 2 and older. They serve as the basis for Federal food and nutrition education programs.

The new Dietary Guidelines provide concrete action steps to help people live healthier, more physically active and longer lives.

—HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebilius

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have jointly published the Dietary Guidelines every 5 years since 1980. HHS’s Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion and USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion and Agricultural Research Service coordinate the development of the Dietary Guidelines.