- Dietary guidelines are a joint product of the departments of Agriculture and Health and Human Services. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans have been issued every five years since 1995.
- The USDA's nutrition guidelines serve as the basis for the U.S. policy on nutrition and education. The aim of the recommendations is to encourage better dietary habits, and, therefore, a better quality of health for all Americans.
- The most well-recognized form of the guidelines is the food pyramid that showcases six food groups: grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy, meat and beans, and oils. Within each category, there is detailed information about much of each food group should take up a certain percentage of a healthy daily diet, and how much food is needed.
- The guidelines vary according to gender and activity level. They are in place for children 2 years of age up to elderly Americans, as well as breastfeeding and pregnant women.
- On the USDA's Pyramid webpage, you can find resources that allow you to calculate the nutrients in your daily food choices, make a menu, and tailor information based on the amount of calories and physical activity that you need each day. Find a link to the My Pyramid site in References.
