Introduction

Health professionals recognize the benefits associated with a healthful eating plan based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including:

• Decreased risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers
• Decreased risk of overweight and obesity
• Decreased risk of micronutrient deficiencies

The challenge is translating this nutrition knowledge into strategies, programs, and policies that can help Americans make healthier food choices.

The public is already flooded with nutrition and diet information from multiple sources. As a result, they are sometimes confused about what, how much, or even how often they should eat.

Nutrition professionals trying to influence dietary change must take into account a person’s personal food preferences as well as their level of awareness and interest in making healthier choices. In addition, environmental factors within families, organizations, and communities must be considered.

As these challenges are faced, science-based tools and information are needed. CDC has compiled professional resources including:

• The latest nutrition surveillance data and trends
• Key nutritional guidelines
• CDC-supported programs and resources

Food Safety Preventing foodborne illness and death remains a major public health challenge.  • CDC Food Safety  • FDA Safe Handling of Fruits and Vegetables

Selected Resources

Weight Management Research to Practice Series
The CDC Weight Management Research to Practice Series is designed to summarize the science on a weight management topic for health professionals and the lay audience.

FruitsandVeggiesMatter.gov
This Web site supports the "Fruits and Veggies - More Matters" initiative, which encourages the consumption of fruits and vegetables for improved public health. CDC developed and maintains the site in partnership with federal agencies and other organizations.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, published jointly by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), provides advice about how good dietary habits for people aged 2 years and older can promote health and reduce risk for major chronic diseases.
Also available:

• A brochure for consumers: Finding Your Way to a Healthier You: Based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (PDF-255K)
• HHS' Toolkit for Health Professionals

MyPyramid Plan
The new USDA food pyramid replaces "one size fits all" with a customizable eating plan. Explore the new pyramid to learn about the food groups and to see how much you need to eat.

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