The latest U.S. dietary guidelines encourage Americans to eat more whole foods and protein while limiting highly processed foods and added sugars. Authored by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans stress the importance of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and protein sources. In a recent White House briefing, Kennedy highlighted the need for a transformative approach to the U.S. food supply under his 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda.
The new guidance suggests that Americans should steer clear of packaged snacks and sweets that contribute to diet-related chronic diseases. With over half of U.S. adults facing such health issues due to poor diet, the guidelines aim to redirect eating habits towards healthier options. Nutrition experts have praised the focus on whole foods, calling it an important shift in promoting better health while still advocating moderation with saturated fats.
The guidelines recommend an increase in daily protein intake, adjusting the previous recommendation from 0.8 grams to 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. Additionally, they emphasize limiting added sugars to no more than 10 grams per meal, advocating a significant reduction given that Americans typically consume around 17 teaspoons daily. For alcohol consumption, the revised guidelines now encourage a general reduction rather than specific limits.
The updates are seen as a progressive move towards addressing health challenges rooted in dietary habits and are expected to influence future legislation, particularly for federal nutrition programs like the National School Lunch Program.
