New 2025-2030 food guidelines spark debate over meat, dairy, and whole foods

Licensed nutritionist Wendy Wesley has shared key dietary advice in light of the new 2025-2030 federal food guidelines. Speaking on Midpoint on 21 January 2026, she highlighted the importance of avoiding ultra-processed foods and sugary drinks. Her recommendations come as the updated Food Pyramid shifts focus toward more meat and dairy consumption.

Meanwhile, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has launched his Make America Healthy Again campaign, aiming to simplify dietary advice for the public.

The latest federal dietary guidelines, released for 2025-2030, now place greater emphasis on meat and dairy products. This marks a change from previous recommendations that centred on carbohydrates. However, Wesley—who is both a registered dietitian and nutritionist—recommends prioritising fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead.

During her interview, Wesley warned against ultra-processed foods, pointing out common indicators to help people identify them. She also advised cutting back on liquid calories, such as alcohol, shakes, sugary coffee drinks, and sodas. Cooking meals at home, she noted, is one of the best ways to improve nutrition and control ingredients. The discussion also touched on plant versus animal protein, as well as the role of GLP-1 drugs in weight management. Wesley stressed that healthy eating should be enjoyable and realistic, taking into account both cost and food availability. Her full set of tips is available on her personal website. Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again campaign, part of his broader political platform, seeks to make nutritional advice clearer for Americans. The initiative aligns with some of Wesley’s views, particularly the push to reduce processed foods and sugars in daily diets.

The updated Food Pyramid now encourages higher meat and dairy intake, but experts like Wesley continue to advocate for plant-based whole foods. Her guidance on home cooking and avoiding liquid calories offers practical steps for better nutrition. Kennedy’s campaign further reflects growing efforts to simplify dietary recommendations for the public.