Deciphering the USDA Dietary Guidelines

In 2005, the USDA unveiled their new Dietary Guidelines for Americans. With its emphasis on whole grains, fruits and vegetables as well as physical activity, this new "Steps to a Healthier You" version is a definite improvement over the old pyramid.

Natural Foods and the Dietary Guidelines

Eating natural and organic foods combines perfectly with the new USDA Dietary Guidelines. The Guidelines describe a healthy diet as one that:

• Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products;
• Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and
• Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

Natural and organic products in their purest state — unadulterated by artificial additives, sweeteners, colorings, hydrogenated fats and preservatives — are the best tasting and most nutritious foods available. Eating according to the Guidelines can only be made better by choosing natural and organic products.