The first updated dietary guidelines in five years have just been announced by the United States Department of Agriculture - but the new recommendations differ little from previous ones. You can read more about it here.

The publication, 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (yes, 2010 - a little behind schedule, we think), does get more serious about sodium intake, changing what had been a suggested daily limit of 1,500 mg for persons with hypertension or its risk factors. The new publication now recommends that limit for about half the US population.

Other highlights and recommendations:

• Drink water instead of sugary drinksCompare sodium in foods like soup, bread and frozen meals and choose the foods with lower numbers
• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
• Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1% ) milk
• Avoid oversized portions
• Enjoy your food but eat less

To download a pdf of the 112-page publication, visit the USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion Web site here.