New U. S. Guidelines: Less Alcohol, More Protein, and Fewer Processed Foods
The U.S. government has just rolled out its latest set of dietary guidelines, taking a different approach to alcohol. Instead of specifying a number of drinks, they're simply advising folks to drink less. This shift is part of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which shape everything from doctor's advice to school lunches.
Key Changes in the New Guidelines
- Protein: Eat more.
- Sugar: Cut back.
- Processed Foods: Avoid heavily processed options.
These changes are part of the Trump administration's "Make America Healthy Again" plan, which is also pushing for fewer vaccine requirements for kids.
Controversy Over Alcohol Advice
Not everyone agrees with the new alcohol recommendations. Groups like the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance and the Center for Science in the Public Interest are concerned. They worry that the lack of specific limits could lead to increased drinking, as people define "moderation" on their own.
The World Health Organization and other health experts warn that even small amounts of alcohol can increase health risks, including certain cancers.
Americans Drinking Less
A Gallup poll from last year found that more Americans are drinking less than ever before. Over half believe that even moderate drinking can be harmful. The average number of drinks per person per week is at its lowest since the 1990s, though the decline is only by about one drink per week, according to market research firm IWSR.
Separate Alcohol Recommendations
For the first time, the recommendations for drinking were handled separately from the rest of the nutritional advice. Two different studies were commissioned:
- Biden-era study: Found that health risks increase with as little as one drink per day.
- Alcohol industry-preferred study: Suggested that moderate drinking is linked to a lower risk of death from any cause.
During Trump's first term, U.S. health officials also rejected advice from scientists to tighten drinking recommendations for a previous set of federal guidelines. This shows that the government has been hesitant to make strict rules about alcohol consumption.
