FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The classic food pyramid you may have seen in school is back with a new look as the trump administration released new dietary guidelines on Wednesday.
“My message is clear: eat real food,” U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Department, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said to the press on Wednesday.
The new guidance recommends that Americans prioritize protein-rich foods, along with colorful, nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, throughout the day.
“Protein and healthy fats are essential and were wrongly discouraged in prior dietary guidelines,” RFK Jr. stated.
Since 2011, Americans have been following MyPlate guidance, which advises a variety of foods throughout the day based on personal traits like age, weight and other factors.
Before that, food guidelines showed a traditional pyramid with grains at the biggest part of the base and protein a small portion toward the top.
The guidance released Wednesday flips the script, placing protein, dairy, and healthy fats at the top, along with fruits and vegetables.
“Whole nutrient-dense food is the most effective path to better health and lower healthcare costs,” RFK Jr. stated.
The Fresno Unified School District says it has already been following USDA guidelines for its student meals.
“All of our lunches have what’s called components, so we have five components, which includes proteins, grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and milk,” Fresno Unified Nutrition Services Director Amanda Harvey said.
The newly released guidelines also advise against highly processed food and sweetened drinks.
Fresno Unified says it’s already on that path.
“All of our grains are 100% whole grains. We have low sodium requirements, we have restrictions on added sugars, restrictions on saturated and total fats,” Harvey explained.
The district says it’s important for students to get nutritious meals and follow good habits to build a healthy lifestyle in the future.
Some students may not have access to these foods at home, but they do at Fresno Unified schools.
The district offers free breakfast, lunch and after-school supper program for its students to get nutritious meals.
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