1995 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the fourth edition, forms the basis of federal policies related to nutrition and diet. These guidelines provide advice for healthy Americans age 2 years and over about food choices that promote health and prevent disease. The USDA Food Guide Pyramid is the guide we can use to help select the foods needed to have a healthy diet. Eating is One of Life's Greatest Pleasures. Food choices depend on history, culture and environment, as well as on energy and nutrient needs.
People eat foods also for enjoyment.
Family, friends and beliefs play a major role in the ways people select foods and plan meals. Nutrition is important in all stages of the life style. Healthful diets help children grow, develop and do well in school. Healthful diets enable people of all ages to work productively and feel their best. Food choices can also help to reduce the risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, stroke and osteoporosis, that are leading causes of death and disability among Americans.