Just about the time that most people's New Year's resolutions to exercise, eat healthier and lose weight are beginning to fade from memory, the federal government has come out with healthy-living guidelines that raise the bar above earlier standards. The new daily recommendations, including nine servings of fruits and vegetables as well as 60 or 90 minutes of exercise, can appear to be so unattainable that many people might be inclined to give up, rather than try to make some diet and lifestyle changes.

That would be a mistake.

The bad news is that most Americans have been moving away from, rather than toward, the new nutritional and exercise guidelines. Evidence for this is found in the fact that nearly two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese.

But the good news from the new dietary guidelines is that even small steps in the right direction can make a difference.

The highlights of the new guidelines, released earlier this month, include:

Eat more fruits and vegetables and unprocessed foods. Four servings of fruit (about two cups) and six servings of vegetables (three cups) are the new daily recommendation. Whole grain products are also preferred over highly processed foods.

Eat less trans-fatty acids and consume less whole milk, butter, processed snack foods and fast, fried foods. The guidelines also suggest reducing consumption of salt and sugar.

Get more daily exercise. Guidelines suggest an hour to maintain weight and 90 minutes of exercise daily to lose weight. A minimum of 30 minutes a day is recommended for improved overall health.

There are really no surprises in the new guidelines. The overall message sounds a lot like the so-called motherly advice of "eat a balanced diet . . . all things in moderation . . . and turn off the television and go play outside."

Still, the latest targets can appear daunting to those who have been unable - or unwilling - to meet the previous, less-demanding guidelines.

While the new recommendations might tempt some people to view the fruits, vegetables and exercise targets as unattainable, and thus ignore them, experts advise against such a do-nothing approach. Studies have found that even modest improvements in diet and exercise can enhance overall health, longevity and quality of life.

The target of an hour or more of daily exercise at first seems impossible, given today's busy lifestyles. But, experts point out that the 60 minutes can be spread out over the day, rather than all at one time. Modest changes, such as using a parking spot further away from the mall or grocery store, walking for 15 minutes during lunch hour, using the stairs instead of the elevator, using a push-type lawn mower and taking up gardening or other outdoor activities can all make a difference.

Significant personal responsibility will be required to meet many of the new guidelines, but the food industry could make things easier. But that won't happen without public pressure.

The food industry will only produce healthier choices when people demand it. But the industry's ability to react was evident in the amount of products quickly developed in response to the popular low-carbohydrate diet.

Likewise, portion control takes personal responsibility, but would be easier if restaurants would do their part, and not mound so much food onto a plate. But perceptions of value and the implied price reduction that would be expected with smaller portions might prevent that from happening anytime soon.

While the new dietary and exercise guidelines set a high standard, they should serve as motivation to start making changes, even if small ones. The key, nutrition and exercise experts seem to agree, is to work on to developing new healthier habits without fretting too much about hitting a particular target.

The new federal guidelines have again put these important health issues in the spotlight - and that's a good start.