Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee Releases First-Ever Nutritional Guidelines

The TNAC was established by the Texas Legislature to analyze scientific research and create recommendations designed to improve public health by addressing the links between nutrition, dietary patterns, and chronic illnesses. As a committee member, Commissioner Miller contributed insights from Texas farmers, ranchers, and food producers.

Commissioner Miller emphasized the importance of sticking to basic nutrition principles. He stated, "Good health starts with good food, and good food starts with agriculture. Texans don’t need complicated rules or a chemistry lesson at the grocery store. Eat real food, eat your fruits and vegetables, get plenty of good protein, drink milks, and whenever you can, buy Texas."

The guidelines recommend that Texans:

- Fill half their plate with a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits at each meal.

- Consume three or more servings of healthy proteins daily, including options like beans, seafood, meat, eggs, and nuts.

- Incorporate healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, fatty fish, olive oil, and avocados into their diet.

- Select food that promotes healthy bones and teeth, including dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, along with non-dairy options rich in nutrients.

- Choose whole grains and focus on minimally processed food with fewer added ingredients.

- Drink water when thirsty, while reducing or avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners in coffee and tea.

Miller highlighted the interconnectedness of nutrition and agriculture, stating, "For too long, we’ve talked about nutrition without talking enough about agriculture. Our farmers and ranchers produce the wholesome foods that support healthy eating. If we want healthier Texans, we have to start here."

The committee also addressed the complexities surrounding ultra-processed foods, recommending that dietary quality be assessed alongside processing levels. Notably, the International Bottled Water Association commended the guidelines for promoting water as a primary beverage choice.

TNAC Chair Dr. Jaclyn Albin remarked that the guidelines aim to translate nutritional science into realistic daily choices for Texans. She stated, "We recognize that healthy eating has to work in the real world. Starting with one or two realistic changes can make healthy eating more achievable for families."

For Commissioner Miller, these recommendations highlight the importance of Texas agriculture in the nutrition discourse. He concluded, "This is what common-sense nutrition looks like: less junk, more real food. It’s simple, practical, and something Texas families can actually use."

— Texas Department of Agriculture