The Trump administration recently updated U.S. dietary guidelines, urging Americans to boost their intake of protein and full-fat dairy while cutting back on ultra-processed foods and added sugars. This new direction marks a shift in American food culture, as noted by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who sees it as a means to enhance the nation’s health.
Gone is the MyPlate guide, which suggested a balanced diet of grains, vegetables, protein, and fruit. Instead, we’re back to an inverted pyramid, emphasizing protein, dairy, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables, while downplaying whole grains.
The guidelines have stirred a mix of reactions. Experts appreciate the focus on reducing processed foods and added sugars but express concern about the increased emphasis on red meat and full-fat dairy. The American Heart Association welcomed the call for more fruits and vegetables but warned that more meat could lead to increased sodium and saturated fat intake, both of which raise the risk of heart disease.
The new guidelines suggest that adults should consume between 1.2 and 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, nearly double the previous recommendation. This focus on protein also encourages seasoning with salt, which some experts worry might conflict with advised sodium limits.
As for dairy, where low-fat options were once favored, full-fat dairy is now highlighted. Kennedy has labeled past guidelines as outdated, advocating for a diet that includes more saturated fats and meat. However, total saturated fat intake should still stay under 10% of daily caloric intake.
Nutrition experts have mixed views. Marion Nestle, a prominent nutrition professor, praised the guidelines’ push against ultra-processed foods but criticized the focus on protein without sound scientific backing.
A notable ripple effect of these guidelines is their broader impact. They will influence school lunches, military meals, and federal assistance food programs, being rolled out over the next two years.
While there are improvements, such as highlighting the need to avoid ultra-processed foods and limiting added sugars to 10 grams per meal, practical challenges remain. Dr. Ronald Kleinman points out that added sugars are difficult to eliminate entirely from diets, especially for children. The recommendations for children include no added sugars for those under ten.
On sodium, recommendations remain unchanged: most individuals aged 14 and older should limit their intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day. Similarly, the guidelines no longer set specific limits on alcohol consumption. Instead, they recommend moderating alcohol intake for overall health.
Dr. Mehmet Oz emphasized that alcohol plays a role in socializing, suggesting that these guidelines reflect a more nuanced understanding of drinking habits in America. However, debates continue about alcohol consumption’s health effects, with some reports suggesting potential benefits from moderate drinking, while others warn about associated risks.
In summary, the new dietary guidelines reflect a blend of modernization and controversy, focusing on protein and healthy fats while still advocating for less junk food. The true challenge lies in how these recommendations will be accepted and implemented by the American public. For more information on dietary recommendations, check the USDA’s official site here.
