Jan 8 • General discussion
Comments on the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans
If you’re in this community, you're likely into nutrition and/or longevity in general - so you might have seen that the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans were published yesterday.
They updated the food pyramid again, and I want to quickly walk you through what changed, because in my opinion, there’s also a bit of political framing around it.
In their announcement, they compare the updated pyramid with one from decades ago: and yes, it looks very different (image below).
There’s still a strong visual emphasis on cereals, grains, and carbohydrates: whether ultra-processed or not.
But here’s an important detail that often gets lost: these guidelines are updated every five years, as nutrition science evolves.
So the previous version wasn’t nearly as different as the comparison video makes it seem.
Until now, the recommendations were more balanced: roughly equal portions of grains, vegetables, protein, and fruit, with a smaller portion of dairy. They emphasized whole grains, encouraged plant-based proteins, and recommended limiting sugary drinks, sodium, and processed foods.
This year, there are some noticeable shifts:
* Protein intake is more strongly emphasized, with daily recommendations increasing
* Animal-based proteins (including red meat) and full-fat dairy appear more prominently, compared to earlier guidelines
* Healthy fats, protein, vegetables, and fruit now make up most of the plate
* Whole grains are still encouraged, especially over refined carbs, but they’re less visually central
* Plant-based proteins are still included, but they play a slightly less prominent role than before
Many of these changes were welcomed by specialists — especially the higher focus on protein quality and whole foods.
However, concerns remain around saturated fat intake. Most experts still recommend keeping it around 10% of total daily calories, since excessive intake can raise LDL cholesterol and increase cardiovascular risk.
Overall, these new guidelines are largely in line with what I personally believe:
👉 prioritizing quality protein, healthy fats, plenty of vegetables and fruit, limiting ultra-processed foods, and favoring whole grains over refined ones.
I’d personally still add some nuance around saturated fats, and keep plant proteins firmly in the conversation as well.
I’m not a specialist, but I do study this a lot.
And the part I appreciated most in their announcement is the emphasis on personal responsibility for health.
So keep learning.
Understand your own body.
And don’t outsource your thinking - especially when nutrition and politics overlap.
3
0 comments
Comments on the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans
powered by
skool.com/the-longevity-hub-9320
At The Longevity Hub, we learn the basics about the 4 pillars that support our health, so we can live longer, healthier, more fulfilled lives!
Suggested communities
Powered by