New Dietary Guidelines Favor Meat and Whole Milk
The Trump administration has introduced fresh dietary guidelines, encouraging Americans to embrace more protein by including meat, eggs, and whole milk in their diets.
This shift is being hailed as a major change in nutrition policy. According to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, farmers and ranchers are key players in improving national health by providing “nutrient-dense, whole foods.”
At a recent press conference, Rollins stated, “By making milk and raising wholesome crops, they hold the key to solving our national health crisis.”
Every five years, the government updates its dietary guidelines. This time, the traditional food pyramid, which emphasized grains like bread and pasta, has been replaced. The new guidelines showcase an inverted pyramid that prioritizes steak, chicken, cheese, vegetables, fruits, and whole milk. Low-fat options are no longer recommended for children.
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary reassured parents, saying, “You don’t need to tiptoe around fat and dairy.”
The guidelines also advise limiting alcohol, avoiding added sugars, and staying away from refined carbs and highly processed foods. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. believes these changes will transform America’s food culture back to a healthier state.
Responses from various food commodity groups have been mixed. For instance, USA Pulses highlighted how beans and lentils can support the new recommendations. However, the American Soybean Association raised concerns over the guidelines, criticizing the selective use of studies concerning soybean oil.
In contrast, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association praised the emphasis on protein in every meal. NCBA Vice President Kim Brackett noted the importance of beef in a healthy diet.
Though the guidelines currently have no regulatory power, they may influence government food programs and public meals in the future. Rollins acknowledged, “There is a lot of work to do. Nothing changes overnight.”
Key Recommendations:
Protein Intake: Aim for 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, nearly double the previous standard. Makary mentioned that past recommendations merely aimed to prevent malnutrition.
Sugar Restrictions: Adults should limit added sugars, while children under four should have none at all. Kennedy declared, “Today, our government declares war on added sugar.”
Reducing Processed Foods: Cut back on refined carbohydrates like white bread and processed snacks.
Daily Servings: Strive for three servings of vegetables, two servings of fruit, and two to four servings of whole grains each day, whether fresh, frozen, or canned.
Overall, these changes reflect a return to traditional, whole foods. As America grapples with rising health issues such as obesity and diabetes, there’s hope that this new approach could yield positive results.
For more details on nutritional guidelines, you can visit the USDA’s official website.
