Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005

by KIPDA staff

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans is updated every five years. It provides diet and physical activity advice, focusing on health promotion and chronic disease prevention. The 2005 version, like those before it, is intended for policy makers, healthcare providers, and the nation's nutritionists.  It will guide federal food, nutrition education, and information programs.  But anyone may find this report helpful as a guide to making healthy choices, especially in reducing the risk for obesity and chronic disease.  In short, the guidelines encourage most Americans to eat fewer calories, be more active, and maker wiser food choices. 

One eating plan, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (or DASH), is a balanced approach that fits nicely with the Dietary Guidelines.  This is not a weight loss diet; you choose the calorie level based on how active you are and what foods you like to eat.  DASH is a low-fat eating plan rich in dairy foods, fruits, and vegetables, a great way to eat whether you have high blood pressure or not. 

For more information....

For information you can use and a copy of the publication "Dietary Guidelines for 2005," visit www.healthierus.gov.      

The website of the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute includes an online brochure about the DASH Diet.