Key Recommendations from the 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

The 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs), released this month by the Department of Health and Human Services, have sparked much discussion since they directly affect federal food assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, and the National School Lunch Program. However, most Americans historically do not adhere to these guidelines, and it remains uncertain if the new recommendations will change dietary habits for better or worse. Some directives are evidence-based, while others may not be.

Teresa Fung, a registered dietitian, professor of nutrition at Simmons University, and member of the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, shares insights on what to embrace or avoid from the DGAs.

**Emphasize Produce**

The DGAs recommend consuming two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables daily, a message consistent in previous guidelines and endorsed by numerous health organizations. Increasing produce intake is beneficial, and surpassing these five servings wherever possible is encouraged.

**Minimize Highly Processed Foods**

The guidelines emphasize reducing highly processed foods, which is a positive step for health. However, not all processed foods are low in nutrients; for instance, yogurt and whole grain crackers are processed but can be nutritious. The priority should be to cut out processed foods high in added sugars and sodium.

**Limit Saturated Fat and Emphasize Healthy Fats**

The DGAs advise keeping saturated fat intake to less than 10% of total daily calories, as diets low in saturated fat and high in healthy fats are linked to reduced cardiovascular disease risk. However, the guidelines promote high consumption of animal products, which contradicts their recommendation to limit saturated fats.

**Avoid Overemphasizing Protein Intake**

The new food pyramid may suggest that Americans need to increase protein consumption, but most are already meeting the recommended intake of 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight. Instead of adding more protein, it might be more beneficial to distribute protein intake evenly across meals throughout the day.

**Incorporate Plant-Based Proteins**

The DGAs endorse a variety of protein sources, including plant-based options. While the prominence of animal proteins is notable, the health benefits of plant proteins—like beans and lentils—are increasingly supported by research. Substituting plant proteins for animal sources can also provide additional nutrients, such as fiber and folate, which are often lacking in American diets.

**Increase Whole Grains**

Whole grains are featured at the bottom of the new food pyramid, but the representation may mislead consumers into thinking they should limit whole grain intake. In reality, most Americans should increase whole grain consumption, aiming for two to four servings a day, as they contribute essential fiber which many lack in their diets.

Teresa Fung's insights reflect knowledge from her work on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, where she contributed to the scientific evidence that shaped the 2025 guidelines.