The Dietary Guidelines answer the questions, "What should Americans eat, how should we prepare our food to keep it safe and wholesome, and how should we be active to be healthy?" The Dietary Guidelines are designed to help Americans choose diets that will meet nutrient requirements, promote health, support active living and reduce risks of chronic disease.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines were prepared in a three-stage process. In the first stage, a 13-member Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee drew up a report based on the best available science. In the second, government scientists and officials reviewed the advisory committee's report and, based on the report and agency and public comments, developed the Dietary Guidelines. In the third stage, experts worked to translate the Dietary Guidelines into clearly defined messages for the public and educators.

Members of the public, academic researchers, consumer and trade groups, and businesses also submitted comments for the committee and the agencies to consider in the process.

Take a look at the people around you. Know anyone with health problems? Type 2 diabetes? Heart disease? Osteoporosis? Many major causes of death and disease in the United States such as these are related to poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Poor diet and physical inactivity, resulting in an energy imbalance (more calories consumed than expended), are also the most important factors contributing to the increase in overweight and obesity in this country.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans provides science-based advice to help you live a healthier life. By following the simple recommendations for diet and exercise, you can reduce your risk for major chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.

The main message of the guidelines is to eat fewer calories, be more active, and make wiser food choices. By doing this, Americans will improve their health and reduce their risks for chronic disease.

It is important to remember that the individual recommendations of the Guidelines should be implemented as a whole. Following is a summary of recommendations from each section of the guidelines that you can use to make healthier choices.

Remember that the recommendations in the Dietary Guidelines are for Americans over two years of age and that all examples used in the guidelines are based on a 2,000-calorie level diet. Your recommended calorie intake might be different, depending on your age, gender, and activity level.