New Dietary Guidelines

January 14, 2005 -- Meat and poultry continue to be important components of a balanced, healthy diet, according to Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005, released this week by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Ann M. Veneman. The guidelines, which are published every five years, stand by earlier recommendations for consumers to include meat and poultry in their daily diets and to make food choices that are "lean, low-fat or fat-free."

The guidelines emphasize physical activity and calorie control more than ever before. Getting the most nutrition out of your calories as well as scheduling at least 30 minutes of regular physical activity each day are two of the top guidelines.

To assist consumers in making the right dietary choices, HHS and USDA developed a pamphlet entitled, "Finding Your Way to a Healthier You." This, as well as the guidelines, can be found at: Guidelines.