Backed by the MAHA movement, the updated guidelines elevate protein and whole foods while cutting ultra-processed products
The Department of Health and Human Services has unveiled a new food pyramid that aligns with the ideals of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement, a variant of President Trump’s agenda, which has gained new political weight under the leadership of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
As part of the Eat Real Food campaign, the government updated dietary guidelines to prioritize protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables, and reduce consumption of ultra-processed foods, which Kennedy has previously identified as a leading cause of chronic disease.
In 2011, the U.S. Department of Agriculture replaced the traditional food pyramid with a plate divided into portions. The agency has now opted to return to the pyramid format, this time inverted, featuring an equal distribution of proteins, fats, fruits, and vegetables, and a smaller section for grains and cereals.
New US Dietary Guidelines recommend:
Prioritizing the consumption of high-quality, nutrient-dense proteins at every meal. Between 1.2 and 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight per day is recommended, whether from animal sources — such as eggs, poultry, fish, and red meat — or plant-based proteins, including legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy.
Avoid ultra-processed foods, especially packaged, prepared, or ready-to-eat products high in salt or sugar, as well as sugary drinks such as soft drinks, fruit drinks, and energy drinks.
Avoid added sugars and non-nutritive sweeteners, and eliminate their consumption in children under four years of age.
Prioritize fats from foods such as meat, poultry, eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, whole dairy products, olives, and avocados, and cook with natural, nutrient-dense oils such as olive oil.
Prioritize the consumption of fiber-rich whole grains and significantly reduce highly processed refined carbohydrates such as white bread, flour tortillas, and cookies.
The guide also suggests that people with certain chronic diseases “may experience improvements in their health” by following diets lower in carbohydrates.
