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Reducing Fat in The American Diet | Abstract | | [Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document.] | | kierraj761@abss.gaggle.net | 12/15/2011 | |

Introduction
Most Americans are aware that a nutritious diet that is low in fat will lead to a longer and healthier life. The federal government has developed dietary guidelines, to help Americans achieve this goal. The guidelines describe which foods Americans should eat to stay healthy.
Federal Dietary Guidelines
When federal dietary guidelines were first introduced in 1980, some people questioned the government’s ability to set nutrition guidelines. Government officials responded by saying that the rapid pace of scientific discovery makes it impossible for average Americans to stay abreast of the most recent information. Government guidelines provide at least a starting point.
The U. S. Department of Agriculture and the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services release the dietary guidelines every five years.
Fat in the American Diet
A major emphasis of the guidelines is to encourage Americans to eat less fat. They recommend limits for total fat intake and saturated fat consumption. The guidelines stress the difference between saturated fats, which tend to raise blood cholesterol and unsaturated fats, which do not. Foods high in saturated fats include high-fat dairy products such as cheese, whole milk and ice cream as well as processed meats. Instead, choose unsaturated fat such as fish, nuts, olives, avocados and vegetable oils. For more information go to www.nutrition.gov
Recommended Dietary Guidelines for Americans
These following guidelines are general guidelines that every American should try to follow: * Aim for a healthy weight * Be physically active each day * Let the food pyramid guide your food choices

In addition, Americans should try to choose the following foods every day: * A variety of grains daily, especially whole grains * A variety of fruits and vegetables daily * A diet that is low in