In perhaps the biggest “Make America Healthy Again” move to-date, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made a shocking to change to what has long been considered the gold standard of America’s nutrition.
Until today.
During a press conference at The White House today, RFK, Jr., along with other members of the Trump administration, announced that “turning the food pyramid upside down” with new guidelines for feeding programs that will emphasize eating plenty of protein and healthy fats — while discouraging the consumption of highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates.
Created by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 1992, the widely known food pyramid is a popular graphic guide showing recommended daily food intake, with a wide base of grains, fruits, and vegetables for frequent consumption, a middle section for protein and dairy in moderation, and a small top section for fats, oils, and sweets to be eaten sparingly.
Today, RFK, Jr. touted new, revised Dietary Guidelines for Americans as part of a news conference and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins designed to help reduce chronic diseases for all Americans.
High-quality proteins like poultry, red meat and beans; fats from eggs or dairy; fruits, vegetable and “fiber-rich” whole grains are in — and starchy carbs such as white bread, crackers, or “sugar-sweetened” beverages as well as pre-packaged and ready-to-eat treats like chips, cookies and fast food are out.
According to the new guidelines, the intent of the new “whole food framework” will be “reducing health care costs,” as the US has seen surging rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases that are costing taxpayers roughly $600 billion per year, according to a White House fact sheet referenced in today’s press conference.
The new directive comes as Trump officials work with state governments to increase healthier food options, specifically with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
At least 78% of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants are also on Medicaid, per the fact sheet, and administration officials expect the nation’s chronic disease rate could be “dramatically” lowered if different incentives are made.
Officials said the shift won’t directly alter SNAP, which is overseen by Congress and feeds more than 40 million Americans, but will become the gold standard for “over 100 government feeding programs in over 10 government agencies.”
Experts say that today’s move will set the framework to drastically improve the quality of school lunches, meals on military bases and other taxpayer-funded nutrition for veterans.
“We have five times higher obesity rates than any other country in the developed world,” one official said.
“This is because of our diet.”
Watch the entirety of RFK, Jr’s message here —
Leaders in the medical community praised today’s news.
Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, president of the American Medical Association, celebrated the move in a statement noting the organization is “focused on helping physicians translate this science into everyday care and helping patients improve their overall health.
“The American Medical Association applauds the Administration’s new Dietary Guidelines for spotlighting the highly processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and excess sodium that fuel heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic illnesses,” Mukkamala continued.
“The Guidelines affirm that food is medicine and offer clear direction patients and physicians can use to improve health.”
The AMA will also “work with Congress to enact meaningful, lasting nutrition change that can improve lives,” its president noted, and provide additional educational resources for medical students and doctors as well as host roundtables to “make it easier for physicians to talk to patients about the role of food in preventing, and even treating, chronic disease.”