Final answer:
The dietary guidelines for Americans recommend a diet high in nutrient-dense foods, which include whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. This type of diet provides essential nutrients without excessive calories and aligns with the MyPlate approach.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dietary guidelines for Americans suggest a diet with a high ratio of nutrients to calories, indicating that the food should be nutrient-dense. Such foods provide essential nutrients without excessive calories. Nutrient-dense foods are typically unprocessed and include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products, unlike processed foods that may contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
Eating according to the MyPlate approach, which recommends half of your plate filled with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with whole grains, and a quarter with protein, can guide you towards a more nutrient-dense diet. Additionally, for effective weight management and overall health, it's important to limit intake of saturated and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium. Following these recommendations helps achieve a balanced diet that supports health and wellness.