The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services has released new dietary guidelines for Americans.

The new guidelines focus on trimming down Americans' bulging waistlines. It is estimated that more than one-third of the children and more than two-thirds of adults in the U.S. are overweight or obese.

"We know if we want to become a healthier, stronger, more competitive country we need to give Americans the tools they need to make healthy choices," said Kathleen Sebelius Health and Human Services Secretary.

The government guidelines suggest that people should:

• Enjoy food, but eat less of it.
• Avoid oversized portions, making half a plate fruits and vegetables
• Switch to fat free or one percent milk.
•  Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals and choose the foods with lower number.
• Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

"When we take a look at the high levels of obesity among adults and among children it is important to have guidelines to help us deal with that issue," said Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture.

It's also recommended that less than ten percent of a person's daily calories should come from saturated fats, and less than one percent from trans fats.