The Trump administration unveiled updated U.S. dietary guidelines on Wednesday, encouraging Americans to increase their protein and full-fat dairy intake while reducing ultra-processed foods and added sugars. These guidelines, revised every five years by the Agriculture Department and Health and Human Services, align closely with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, though they do not encompass the comprehensive changes some nutritionists had anticipated.
A significant change is the removal of the MyPlate visual guide, which suggested a balanced meal consisting of equal portions of grains, vegetables, protein, and fruit. Instead, an inverted take on the traditional food pyramid now highlights protein, dairy, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables, placing less emphasis on whole grains.
The updated guidelines recommend that people consume protein at every meal, suggesting an increase to 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight, doubling the previous daily allowance of 0.8 grams. There is also a focus on full-fat dairy, marking a departure from prior recommendations that advocated for low-fat or fat-free options. Kennedy has criticized previous guidelines for categorizing such advice as outdated.
While the guidance on saturated fat remains unchanged—capping it at less than 10% of total daily caloric intake—Kennedy, who has expressed a preference for saturated fat, has made public appearances promoting these changes. For instance, in March, he visited a Florida diner after the chain switched from vegetable oil to beef tallow.
The American Medical Association has praised the new guidance for its attention to ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and sodium, which contribute to chronic health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the AMA, remarked that the guidelines provide essential information that patients and healthcare professionals can use to enhance health.
Despite the praise, experts like Marion Nestle, a renowned nutrition professor, argue that the recommendations regarding protein lack scientific justification and could inadvertently increase saturated fat consumption. The American Heart Association advocates for keeping saturated fat intake below 6% of total daily calories, arguing that such limitations can reduce the risk of heart-related issues.
The guidelines advise avoiding ultra-processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbs, recommending consumers opt for “nutrient-dense foods” and home-cooked meals. Specific recommendations include limiting added sugars to 10 grams per meal and focusing on whole fruits and vegetables, either fresh or minimally processed without added sugars.
In terms of sodium consumption, the guidelines remain the same: individuals aged 14 and older should limit their intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day with lower limits for children. Furthermore, the updated recommendations remove specific daily alcohol limits, suggesting instead that Americans should consume less alcohol to promote better overall health.
These guidelines will influence various federal nutrition programs, including school lunches and military meals, as they are phased into implementation over the next two years. The overall message of the updated guidelines aims to encourage healthier eating habits among the American populace while spotlighting the detrimental effects of processed foods and excessive sugars.