US Dietary Guidelines Suggest Americans Eat More Whole Foods and Less Processed Food
In a significant shift, new federal dietary guidelines released by the Trump administration urge Americans to make healthier food choices. The 2025-2030 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize whole foods over highly processed ones, with an emphasis on protein-rich foods, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and healthy fats.
According to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., "Our message is clear: Eat real food." The guidelines suggest that consuming more whole foods can help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. Processed foods, including chips, cookies, and candy, are no longer recommended due to their high sugar content and negative impact on health.
The updated guidance also emphasizes the importance of protein-rich foods, suggesting that Americans consider doubling their protein consumption. However, the American Heart Association has called for more research on protein consumption before making any recommendations.
On added sugars, the guidelines advise limiting daily intake to 10 grams or less, about two teaspoons. This is a reduction from previous federal guidelines that recommended less than 10% of daily calories for people older than two. The new guidance also advises pregnant women and individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder to avoid alcohol altogether.
The updated guidelines roll back previous recommendations on saturated fats, allowing Americans to consume more animal-based fat sources like meat, whole-fat dairy products, or avocados while limiting their intake to 10% of daily calories.
Critics have praised the new guidance for taking a fresh approach to nutrition and acknowledging the quality of research. However, some experts have expressed relief that the guidelines have not changed fundamentally in terms of recommendations on saturated fat consumption.
While the new guidelines are designed to promote healthier eating habits, many Americans continue to struggle with diet-related chronic diseases. As Diane Pratt-Heavner, spokesperson for the School Nutrition Association, noted, "The guidance will have the most profound effect on the federally funded National School Lunch Program."
Overall, the updated dietary guidelines aim to encourage Americans to make better food choices and improve their overall health.
In a significant shift, new federal dietary guidelines released by the Trump administration urge Americans to make healthier food choices. The 2025-2030 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize whole foods over highly processed ones, with an emphasis on protein-rich foods, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and healthy fats.
According to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., "Our message is clear: Eat real food." The guidelines suggest that consuming more whole foods can help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. Processed foods, including chips, cookies, and candy, are no longer recommended due to their high sugar content and negative impact on health.
The updated guidance also emphasizes the importance of protein-rich foods, suggesting that Americans consider doubling their protein consumption. However, the American Heart Association has called for more research on protein consumption before making any recommendations.
On added sugars, the guidelines advise limiting daily intake to 10 grams or less, about two teaspoons. This is a reduction from previous federal guidelines that recommended less than 10% of daily calories for people older than two. The new guidance also advises pregnant women and individuals recovering from alcohol use disorder to avoid alcohol altogether.
The updated guidelines roll back previous recommendations on saturated fats, allowing Americans to consume more animal-based fat sources like meat, whole-fat dairy products, or avocados while limiting their intake to 10% of daily calories.
Critics have praised the new guidance for taking a fresh approach to nutrition and acknowledging the quality of research. However, some experts have expressed relief that the guidelines have not changed fundamentally in terms of recommendations on saturated fat consumption.
While the new guidelines are designed to promote healthier eating habits, many Americans continue to struggle with diet-related chronic diseases. As Diane Pratt-Heavner, spokesperson for the School Nutrition Association, noted, "The guidance will have the most profound effect on the federally funded National School Lunch Program."
Overall, the updated dietary guidelines aim to encourage Americans to make better food choices and improve their overall health.