WASHINGTON, D.C. — The federal government has released its updated Dietary Guidelines for Americans, introducing a new visual: an inverted food pyramid that places red meats, dairy, and vegetables at the top.
Guided by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the 2025-2030 guidelines mark a shift toward emphasizing "whole foods" and prioritizing high-quality protein sources.
The new pyramid, revealed last week, flips the traditional structure upside down. The widest section — indicating foods to eat most — sits at the top and features meats like steak and turkey, cheese, full-fat dairy, and vegetables such as broccoli and carrots.
Fruits, nuts, and seafood occupy the middle tier, while grains and breads form the narrow base at the bottom. The guidelines encourage choosing whole grains over highly processed options but position them as less central than in previous versions.
The update calls for a sharp reduction in processed foods and sugary meals, aligning with Kennedy's push for Americans to eat "real food."At a recent White House briefing, Kennedy described the changes as part of the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, aimed at prioritizing nutrient-dense proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables.
This revival of the food pyramid — first introduced in 1992 and later replaced by MyPlate in 2011 — serves as a visual aid to help illustrate the guidelines. Officials note that the inverted design better reflects current priorities for healthy eating patterns.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are updated every five years to incorporate evolving nutritional understanding. This latest edition continues that tradition with a bold new approach to promoting whole, minimally processed foods.
Food Pyramid
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