6. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans Choose healthy, nutritious food Choose more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat milk and get your protein from a variety of sources such as lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Eat foods that are low in Calories but are rich in important nutrients. Stay Fit Aim to stay at a healthy weight by limiting high-Calorie foods and by being physically active everyday. Limit food items that increase disease risk Choose foods that are low in salt, sugar saturated fat and trans fat.