[powerpress]
Every five years, the federal government releases new Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
And every five years, the same cycle plays out. A committee of scientists spends years reviewing the evidence, produces a report, and then somewhere between that report and the final document, things shift.
The 2025–2030 edition has sparked more debate than most. And not because it’s entirely wrong.
There’s real merit here. A harder line on ultra-processed foods, a clearer consumer-facing message, an unambiguous stance on added sugar. These are overdue.
But the guidelines cap saturated fat at 10% while promoting beef tallow. Much of the advisory committee’s work was set aside. And buried in the fat section is an error a first-year nutrition student would catch.
It’s a document in tension with itself. And that tension has consequences for school lunch programs, for clinical guidance, for the millions of Americans paying attention.
Few people are better positioned to help us navigate this than Simon Hill — nutritionist, physiotherapist, and host of The Proof Podcast. If you caught him on episodes 638 or 664, you know what he brings. He’s been tracking these guidelines closely, having spoken directly with members of the advisory committee, and I’m glad to have him back.
“If you consistently build a plate around this pyramid, most people will naturally consume more than 10% of their calories from saturated fat.”
– SIMON HILL
Today, we discuss:
- The saturated fat contradiction and why the guidelines undermine their own limit
- What the advisory committee recommended and what was rejected
- The seed oils omission and what questions it raises
- Protein, fiber, and what Americans actually need more of
- Full-fat dairy, beef tallow, and what the science says
- Why zip code predicts health span more than dietary knowledge
- How to eat well regardless of what the guidelines say
For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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