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:
- Consume mostly nutrient-dense foods, which include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and seafood
- 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.)
- Balance calories with physical activity to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic disease