Dietary Guidelines

The 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines, published by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and Dept. of Health and Human Services, are designed to help Americans eat a healthier diet. Intended for policymakers and health professionals, this edition of the Dietary Guidelines outlines how people can improve their overall eating patterns—the complete combination of foods and drinks in their diet. This edition offers five overarching guidelines and a number of key recommendations with specific nutritional targets and dietary limits.

MyPlate

Also from the Dept. of Agriculture, MyPlate is a reminder to find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime. Everything you eat and drink matters. The right mix can help you be healthier now and in the future. This means:

  • Focus on variety, amount and nutrition.
  • Choose foods and beverages with less saturated fat, sodium and added sugars.
  • Start with small changes to build healthier eating styles.
  • Support healthy eating for everyone.

Eating healthy is a journey shaped by many factors, including your stage of life, situations, preferences, access to food, culture, traditions, and the personal decisions you make over time. All your food and beverage choices count. MyPlate offers ideas and tips to help you create a healthier eating style that meets your individual needs and improves your health.