The new guidelines point out that obesity is the No.1 public health nutrition problem in the U.S. and actually give good advice about what to do about it: eat less and eat better. For the first time, the guidelines make it clear that eating less has its priority.

Balancing Calories

    • Enjoy your food, but eat less. 

    • Avoid oversized portions.  

Foods to Increase 

    • Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. 

    • Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1 percent) milk.

Foods to Reduce

    • Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals—and choose the foods with lower numbers.

    • Drink water instead of sugary drinks.