Hey Reader,
If you grew up in the 80s or 90s like I did, you probably remember a very specific food culture.
Everything was fat-free.
Egg yolks were suspicious.
Whole milk was basically a crime.
Butter was out. Margarine was in.
Snackwells were somehow considered a “health food.”
There was a lot of fat fear.
So when the new Dietary Guidelines came out last week, I thought people might have questions.
Steak.
Full-fat dairy.
Butter.
Olive oil.
If 1980s nutrition culture were still alive, it might need to sit down for this.
What actually changed?
Other than the pyramid being flipped on its head and the new guidelines shrinking to just 10 pages (down from 164 😱), the core message is surprisingly familiar.
• Eat mostly whole foods
• Eat more protein
• Eat more vegetables
I can get on board with that. 😉
What is notable is that the protein recommendations for the general population are now much more in line with what health and fitness coaches have been recommending for years—especially when it comes to weight loss, muscle retention, and body recomposition.
But then… there’s the graphic.
At first glance, it sends a strong message.
It visually emphasizes:
• Red meat
• Full-fat dairy
• Fats like butter and oil
And visually minimizes:
• Whole grains
• Legumes
• Plant diversity
Which feels like a big shift.
But here’s where it gets confusing.
The image and the actual text don’t fully match.
When you read the written guidelines, the story is more nuanced:
• Red meat: Encourages variety in protein (fish, legumes, nuts) + still limits saturated fat
• Dairy: Full-fat is now allowed, but no added sugars
• Fats: Unsaturated fats are prioritized; saturated fats are still capped
• Whole grains: Still recommended — just visually minimized
So no, this isn’t a “steak and butter free-for-all,” even if the image makes it look that way.
Why the bigger picture matters
When we talk about nutrition, it’s important to zoom out and look at the bigger picture of health — not just fragments of advice pulled from a graphic or a soundbite.
Health isn’t defined only by:
• One food group being “good” or “bad”
• One visual making one food look more important than another
• One single set of guidelines
It is about:
• Variety in nutrient-rich foods
• Meeting your individual needs
• Eating in a way that supports your goals and lifestyle
• Enjoyment and sustainability
• How food fits into your life — not just what’s on your plate
Nutrition guidelines can be helpful reference points.
But they’re not the whole story.
And they’re definitely not a prescription for every person.
A graphic is a simplification.
Your body is not.
What questions do you still have about the new dietary guidelines?
I’d love to hear what’s on your mind.
Until Next Time,