In a radical shift for American public health policy, the Trump administration has unveiled a complete overhaul of the nation's official dietary guidelines, effectively turning the traditional food pyramid on its head. The new advice, championed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, urges citizens to prioritise protein, dairy, and healthy fats while dramatically cutting back on highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates.
A Return to 'Real Food'
Unveiled at a White House press conference, the updated guidelines mark a stark departure from previous recommendations. For the first time, Americans are explicitly told to avoid highly processed, packaged, and ready-to-eat foods like crisps, biscuits, and sweets. Sugar-sweetened beverages, including soda, fruit juice, and energy drinks, have also been struck from the recommended list.
"These guidelines return us to the basics," declared Secretary Kennedy. "American households must prioritise whole, nutrient-dense foods — protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and whole grains — and dramatically reduce highly processed foods. This is how we Make America Healthy Again."
New Rules for Protein, Dairy, and Fats
The guidelines introduce specific, personalised targets. Adults are now advised to consume 0.5 to 0.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight daily, advocating for a mix of animal and plant sources. In a significant change, the advice promotes full-fat dairy, recommending three servings per day, and encourages the use of healthy fats like olive oil.
Kennedy, a known proponent of protein, stated the new rules correct past errors, "ending the war on saturated fats" which he claimed were "wrongly discouraged in prior guidelines." However, the shift has drawn criticism from some nutrition experts. Dr Marion Nestle of New York University told STAT News the guidelines were "about ideology, not science," labelling them "muddled, contradictory, ideological, retro."
What's In and What's Out
The new framework provides clear directives on what to embrace and what to limit:
- IN: Protein from eggs, meat, seafood, and legumes; full-fat dairy; two fruits and three vegetables daily; whole grains; healthy unsaturated fats.
- OUT: Highly processed snacks and meals; sugar-sweetened drinks; refined carbs like white bread; foods with artificial flavours, dyes, or sweeteners.
Calorie recommendations are now more personalised, moving away from broad age-based targets. The USDA has launched an online tool to help individuals calculate their daily needs. The American Medical Association has endorsed the plan, stating it "affirms that food is medicine." Yet, cardiologists like Dr Jonathan Reiner have warned that the emphasis on red meat and full-fat dairy may not be suitable for those with heart disease.
This fundamental rewrite of America's dietary rulebook signals a profound philosophical shift towards whole foods and away from industrial processing, setting the stage for renewed debate on the intersection of nutrition science and public policy.
