The government wants you to stop eating dessert

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is putting overweight Americans on a new mission — stop eating dessert, and try something natural instead.

"Dessert? Try the salad bar," USDA advised in a tweet over the weekend. "Sliced fruit is a healthy way to end a meal with dining out."

Dessert? Try the Salad Bar. Sliced fruit is a healthy way to end a meal when dining out. https://t.co/7X5UWCAb7y #MyPlate

— ChooseMyPlate.gov (@MyPlate) April 5, 2015

It could be the toughest assignment USDA has ever handed down to Americans since December, when it advised people against eating cookie dough. Americans seem to love dessert, and there are even TV shows about dessert that people love to sit and watch when they're not eating dessert.

USDA's "MyPlate" service provides daily advice to anyone who signs up for it. Last week, for example, MyPlate suggested that people get a little more calcium in their diet by adding low-fat milk in their diet.

Make or order your coffee, latte, or cappuccino with fat-free or low-fat milk. https://t.co/qeGQ0rQHzn #MyPlate

— ChooseMyPlate.gov (@MyPlate) April 2, 2015

It also distributed a handy recipe for a healthy salsa you can make yourself, and suggested that parents provide yogurt for kids as "dip for fruits or veggies."

Fresh Tomato Salsa recipe uses onions, garlic, and lemon juice for flavor: https://t.co/GllEcahs2o #MyPlate pic.twitter.com/KirYUHTmQ8

— ChooseMyPlate.gov (@MyPlate)

April 3, 2015

Fact: Kids love to dip their foods! Offer yogurt dip for fruits or veggies. https://t.co/1QxteSt116 #MyPlate pic.twitter.com/uR6ds2agCw

— ChooseMyPlate.gov (@MyPlate) April 6, 2015