Trump Administration Unveils New Dietary Guidelines Prioritizing Protein, Restricting Added Sugars and Ultra-Processed Foods
In a major overhaul of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Trump administration has released new directives emphasizing protein intake, reducing sugars, and avoiding ultra-processed foods. The guidelines were presented by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins at a White House briefing.
A Shift from Traditional Dietary Guidelines
The new guidelines represent a significant shift from traditional dietary principles, prioritizing proteins and healthy fats over carbohydrates. The revised food pyramid places meat, dairy, and healthy fats on the same tier as vegetables and fruits, with fiber-rich whole grains at the bottom.
The Trump administration is now updating federal nutrition standards and guidelines to ensure that Americans have the most accurate, data-driven information supported by science and hard facts, not special interests or partisan ideology,
said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Declaring War on Added Sugars and Ultra-Processed Foods
The new guidelines emphasize the importance of consuming whole, minimally processed foods and have been described as declaring war
on added sugars. The administration encourages a reduction in refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods, and promotes the consumption of high-quality proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
The official document recommends prioritizing fresh foods, reducing added sugar to a minimum and limiting ultra-processed foods,
reports Argentina's Clarin.
Reactions and Implications
The new guidelines are expected to influence what is served in American public schools, the diet of American servicemembers, and the food distributed through government programs. These revisions come at a time when the world is increasingly focused on nutrition, with the UK recently implementing a ban on daytime TV and online adverts for high fat, salt, or sugar foods to combat childhood obesity.
Despite the emphasis on protein, some experts caution against the increased consumption of red meat. Nobel laureate Zur Hausen has warned that beef consumption is a high-risk factor, and two epidemiological studies suggest an association between chronic diseases and strong exposure to food additives used as preservatives.
A Lighter Moment Amid Serious Discussions
In a lighter moment during the White House briefing, Kennedy's phone rang out with a duck quacking ringtone, sparking laughter and jokes from Rollins and reporters. As Kennedy silenced his phone, Rollins quipped: Duck is also high in protein. Duck is a good thing to eat everybody.
Despite the humor, the administration's new guidelines reflect a serious shift in dietary approach, emphasizing a return to real foods
and away from unhealthy, ultra-processed meals. The revised guidelines aim to address chronic disease and childhood illnesses, with the potential to significantly impact Americans' eating habits and health.