The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have issued new dietary guidelines for 2025–2030, highlighting the importance of nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods. These recommendations come amid rising concerns about obesity, with over 70% of US adults classified as overweight or obese.
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Key recommendations include:
- Prioritizing diets rich in protein, dairy, vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and whole grains while limiting the intake of highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars.
- Ensuring protein intake at every meal, targeting 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily.
- Limiting added sugars to no more than 10 grams per meal and avoiding added sugars entirely for children under the age of 11.
The guidelines suggest that individuals consume three servings of full-fat dairy products daily on a 2,000-calorie diet and incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables (three servings) and fruits (two servings) each day. Healthy fats should come from sources such as meats, poultry, seafood rich in omega-3s, nuts, seeds, and olives, with an emphasis on using non-seed oils like olive oil for cooking.
Whole grains should make up two to four servings daily, focusing on fiber-rich options while minimizing refined carbohydrates like white bread and packaged breakfast items.
Foods to limit include highly processed items like cookies, candy, and sugary beverages, which contain artificial additives and added sugars. Saturated fats should account for no more than 10% of total daily calories, while added sugars and nonnutritive sweeteners should be minimized, particularly in the form of sugary drinks.
These guidelines aim to promote healthier eating habits among Americans, improving overall nutrition and well-being. The information was derived from the USDA and HHS's official documentation on dietary guidelines.