At the mention of The Dietary Guidelines, a lot of people will nod off pretty quickly, but these recommendations actually are designed to help people enjoy active, healthy lives.

The Dietary Guidelines first evolved in 1980 as a way in which the government could reach the general public to provide nutritional advice for healthy Americans ages two and older. As time went on, it was mandated that the U.S. Department of Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) jointly review, update and publish the new Dietary Guidelines every five years. Research has demonstrated that dietary intake from birth and diet during pregnancy can have a direct effect on a child’s health; therefore, in the year 2020, guidelines will be expanded to address these populations as well.