Abstract: Because good eating habits can help healthy peoplestay healthy, dietary guidelines based on variety and moderation are recommended for Americans in a pamphlet presented by the USDA and HEW. Eating a daily variety of foods ensures a nutritionally well-balanced diet, since no single food supplies all necessary nutrients. Nutritious selections can be made from the fruit, vegetable, meat, bread and dairy food groups. Maintaining an ideal weight is important, and successful weight loss depends on improved eating habits and everyday exercise. Eating foods without excess amounts of fat, saturated fats and cholesterol minimizes dietary risks of heart attack. Since carbohydratessupply the body's energy needs, the American diet should contain adequate starch and fiber. Finally, it is a sensiblerule of good nutrition to avoid consuming too much sugar, sodium and alcohol, as Americans take in much more of these foodstuffs than they need for good health.