The newly released 2025–2030 US Dietary Guidelines have been making headlines, and as a holistic nutrition consultant, I want to share my perspective. While federal guidance is never perfect, these updated recommendations signal an encouraging shift toward principles long emphasized in holistic nutrition: real food, nutrient density, and prevention over intervention.

At the heart of the new guidance is a focus on whole, minimally processed foods, encouraging Americans to build meals around high-quality protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while significantly reducing reliance on highly processed foods and refined carbohydrates.

Here are some updates that particularly resonate with the philosophy I teach in my practice:

• High-Quality Protein at Every Meal: The guidelines emphasize the importance of nutrient-dense protein from both animal and plant sources, supporting energy, muscle health, and overall well-being.

• Clear Risks of Packaged Foods: For the first time, the guidelines explicitly highlight the risks of ready-to-eat, highly processed foods, including high sugar, sodium, unhealthy fats, and additives.

• Added Sugar Limitations: No amount of added sugar or non-nutritive sweeteners is recommended as part of a healthy diet, and children under four should avoid added sugars entirely.

• Healthy Fats Encouraged: Whole food fat sources such as eggs, seafood, full-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, olives, and avocados are promoted, along with nutrient-dense oils like olive oil, butter, and even beef tallow.

• Fiber-Rich Whole Grains: Whole grains are emphasized over refined carbohydrates, helping to support gut health, stable energy, and metabolic wellness.

• Personalized Nutrition Recognized: The guidelines acknowledge that some individuals with chronic conditions may benefit from lower-carbohydrate diets, recognizing the importance of tailoring nutrition to individual health needs.

• Role of Fermented Foods in Supporting Gut Health: It’s taken 17 years for “new science" to make it to the guidelines. Finally, we as a nation are addressing our microbiome. In most traditional diets fermented foods are a staple.

• EAT REAL FOOD: Michael Pollan must be excited.

It’s important to note that these guidelines are a framework, not a prescription. They are designed to be flexible, adaptable to individual needs, preferences, cultures, and budgets. Holistic nutrition professionals have long advocated for preventing chronic disease by prioritizing food quality, metabolic health, and root-cause prevention. In that sense, these guidelines represent meaningful progress.

That said, there are still areas of concern. Industry influence remains a challenge. Agencies like the Center for Science in the Public Interest report that many recommendations from the advisory committee were overlooked, and the guidance may still favor the interests of large meat and dairy industries. While these guidelines take positive steps, they are not immune to lobbying and political pressure.

Overall, the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines are a step in the right direction promoting real food, nutrient density, and balanced meals, while recognizing the importance of individualized nutrition. As always, my goal as a holistic nutrition professional is to help individuals navigate these guidelines in a way that supports long-term health and wellness, while staying mindful of the bigger picture.

For Further Reading and Reference

Read the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 here: The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Press Release: Kennedy, Rollins Unveil Historic Reset of U.S. Nutrition Policy, Put Real Food Back at Center of Health

Center for Science in the Public’s 2025-2030 Uncompromised Dietary Guidelines for Americans