The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 are slightly different from previous versions, as they focus on eating patterns rather than individual dietary components. Overall, the main recommendation is to follow a healthy eating pattern that incorporates a variety of nutrient-dense foods and beverages. The Guidelines recommend that you:

  1. Consume mostly nutrient-dense foods, which include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and seafood
  2. Consume fewer foods with sodium (salt), saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, and refined grains. (The Advisory Committee behind the guidelines specifically recommends reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened sodas.)
  3. Balance calories with physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic disease