New Guidelines, Big Questions
- ellenpetrosinord
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve been feeling a little whiplash from nutrition headlines lately, you’re not alone.
The 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans have officially been released, bringing new visuals, updated emphasis, and plenty of conversation about what we should be eating.
When nutrition guidance evolves, it creates opportunity: an opportunity to pause and clarify in a way that you can make sense of.
What Is Different?
One of the biggest changes in this guideline update is visual. The familiar plate graphic has shifted to a pyramid-style model, with foods in saturated fat appearing more prominently than before.
Right now the headlines are
Higher protein intake
Full-fat dairy
Include cooking fats like beef tallow
Guidelines still recommend however, keeping saturated fat under 10% of total calories.
That disconnect is understandably confusing.
Alcohol guidance has also shifted from specific limits to a broader message to “consume less,” which leaves room for interpretation.
Instead of reacting to individual headlines, a more helpful question is:
How do these foods fit into a way of eating that helps me to support my weight, my heart health, my blood sugar, my energy...?
A Reminder That Nutrition Is Personal
The Dietary Guidelines are designed to guide population-level health. They are not meant to replace individualized care.
If you know my approach, you know I believe there’s no single “right” way to eat.
Whether someone follows a plant-forward approach, avoids certain foods for health reasons, or builds meals around cultural traditions, nutrition still needs to work for them.
Personalized guidance is what bridges the gap between general recommendations and real life.
Stability in a Sea of Change
When guidelines shift, it often reinforces a familiar frustration: Why does nutrition advice keep changing?
What remains consistent is the value of:
✅ Nutrient-dense foods
✅ Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
✅ Adequate fiber
✅ Healthier fat choices
✅ Moderation, not restriction
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has echoed these themes while also raising concerns about the emphasis on saturated fat-rich foods and the lack of consideration for those who don’t consume dairy.
What This Means for You
If you’re wondering whether you need to eat more protein, switch to full-fat dairy, change your cooking fats, or rethink alcohol — the answer isn’t a blanket yes or no.
The better question is:
What makes sense for your body, your age, your health goals, and your life right now?
Nutrition works best when it’s flexible, informed, and personalized — not driven by headlines alone.
With change comes opportunity: to ask better questions, move away from extremes, and build eating habits that are sustainable, supportive, and grounded in evidence.
And that’s where real progress happens.
I am here to help.
Don't hesitate to reach out for a FREE 10 minute discovery call to
learn more about how I can support you.
If this was helpful, be sure to subscribe to my monthly newsletter
or share this link with a friend.
Looking for inspiration when you cook? Explore my recipes HERE or sign up for a FREE trial of my meal plans, no credit card required. Search through the library of recipes to find your top 10 favs that you can cook with your eye's shut. Perfect for those busy weeks.
Disclaimer: The content of this website is for general informational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for guidance specific to your situation. Ellen Petrosino Consulting is not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned.
© 2026 Ellen Petrosino Consulting. All rights reserved.
Comments