The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA) unveiled the newest edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in January. While the new guidelines still encourage consumption of whole and unprocessed foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains, new recommendations for protein, fats, carbohydrates and dairy represent a significant change from previous guidance.
According to HHS, the new guidelines increase the recommended daily protein consumption for most Americans, and emphasize animal sources such as eggs, poultry, seafood, and red meat. Plant-based proteins, such as beans, peas, lentils, and legumes are also encouraged.
HHS has also changed guidance on fats, reversing previous guidance to consume them sparingly. The updated guidelines encourage consumption of fats from whole food sources including meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, nuts, full-fat dairy, and avocadoes. However, guidance for saturated fats — found in meats, butter, cheese, and many savory snacks — remains unchanged.
Carbohydrate recommendations have also received an overhaul under the new guidelines. The updated edition concludes that added sugars have no place in a healthy and nutritious diet, and encourages parents to completely avoid added sugars for children under four. Additionally, Americans are urged to reduce their consumption of refined carbohydrates (such as white bread, flour tortillas, or crackers) in favor of high-fiber whole grains (such as whole wheat bread, oatmeal, or quinoa), and consider reducing carbohydrate intake to manage certain chronic diseases.
Another notable change: The return of the food pyramid, with eggs, meat, and vegetables at the very top.