The new 2010 Dietary Guidelines emphasize a total diet approach, urging Americans to reduce calories and watch portion sizes, make more nutrient-rich choices, and move more. Nutrient-rich food choices include fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products. The nation’s obesity numbers continue to climb, yet surprisingly many Americans are falling short on key nutrients that could put their health at risk. To address the obesity epidemic the nation faces – especially among children – the federal government released the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, research-based nutrition guidance that aims to “prevent and/or reduce overweight and obesity through improved eating and physical activity behaviors.”

• Nutrition experts agree that most Americans are overweight yet undernourished - consuming more calories than needed but not enough nutrient-rich foods packed with vitamins and essential nutrients (such as protein and fiber) to help them achieve better health. As the nation turns its attention to reducing calories, getting the most nutrients from those calories becomes essential.
• Choose foods based on their total nutrient package instead of choosing foods based solely on what they don't contain - such as fat, sugar and salt.