Abstract
The 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee evaluated the science base for the relationships of diet and physical activity and health using an evidence-based approach. The USDA Food Intake Patterns were used as a tool to model food group recommendations that meet 100% of the current Dietary Reference Intake standards for most nutrients. Americans need to make substantial changes in food choices to meet their nutrient needs without exceeding their energy needs. The new guidelines stress the importance of making calories count by choosing nutrient-dense foods combined with adequate physical activity.