By Charlyn Fargo Ware | @NutritionRd January 11, 2021 | 11:25 a.m. The new 2020 to 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are out, updated every five years. The new edition urges us to make every bite count — to think about how everything we eat and drink makes a difference. There are five important recommendations, which probably sound familiar: » Follow a healthy eating pattern. A healthy eating pattern and an appropriate calorie level will help you get the nutrition you need, achieve and maintain a healthy weight, and reduce your risk of chronic diseases. » Focus on variety, nutrient density and amount. To meet your nutrient needs and stay within your calorie limit, choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods across all food groups. Nutrient-dense foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.