The White House has introduced a major change to the United States' dietary guidelines, unveiling a new model called the "Real Food Pyramid," which completely overturns the 1992 pyramid.
Unlike the old model, which encouraged high consumption of bread, pasta and cereals, the new pyramid places proteins, healthy fats and full-fat dairy products at the heart of nutrition, including red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cheese, whole milk, butter and natural fats such as olive oil.
According to the new guidelines, adults should consume 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, compared to 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight in the previous recommendations. Meanwhile, fruits and vegetables remain an important part of the diet, but a significant reduction in grains is recommended, especially processed ones such as white bread, industrial pasta, refined cereals and flour-based products.
The administration says the goal is to promote whole, nutrient-dense foods and reduce processed carbohydrates and industrial products, including convenience foods, sweetened beverages and products with added sugar. The change is considered a major course correction after decades of carbohydrate-based dietary advice, which coincided with the rise of obesity and diabetes in the United States.
According to authorities, the new model reflects scientific evidence that shows that real, unprocessed food plays a key role in improving health. The initiative is part of President Donald Trump's "Make America Healthy Again" agenda, which aims to combat chronic diseases, while data shows that 75% of American adults suffer from diet-related diseases.
