About this episode
Every five years, the Departments of Agriculture and of Health and Human Services jointly issue guidelines on what we should eat. The most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025-2030) have been controversial. [Here is a link: https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov] Among other things, the administration decided to flip the food pyramid upside-down in illustrating its recommendations. Why did that cause such a stir, and what will it mean for you?
At The People’s Pharmacy, we strive to bring you up to date, rigorously researched insights and conversations about health, medicine, wellness and health policies and health systems. While these conversations intend to offer insight and perspective, the content is provided solely for informational and educational purposes. Please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medical care or treatment.
How You Can Listen:
You could listen through your local public radio station or get the live stream at 7 am EST on Saturday, March 14, 2026, through your computer or smart phone (wunc.org). Here is a link so you can find which stations carry our broadcast. If you can’t listen to the broadcast, you may wish to hear the podcast later. You can subscribe through your favorite podcast provider, download the mp3 using the link at the bottom of the page, or listen to the stream on this post starting on March 16, 2026.
Why Flip the Food Pyramid?
Nobody has actually explained to us why they decided to flip the food pyramid on its head. The food pyramid itself debuted in 1991 as an illustration of what we should eat, but many people found it confusing. In 2011, it was replaced by a MyPlate graphic. So why return to the food pyramid now, especially upside-down?
Our guest, noted nutrition researcher Christopher Gardner, suggest that it might be a way of denoting dramatic changes from previous guidance. Spoiler alert: only a few details are dramatically different. The main changes are a commendable emphasis on eating real food and attention to red meat as a protein source and full-fat rather than low-fat dairy products.
Do Americans Need More Protein?
If you pay attention at the supermarket, you’ll probably notice that a lot of product tout their protein content. Even things that don’t seem like they’d stand out as sources of protein (granola, pancake mix) are being offered in containers emblazoned with the promise of protein. Surprisingly, though, this is not a response to an urgent need. Most Americans get adequate protein and don’t need to concentrate on increasing their intake. Might it be a marketing tool?
Should We Worry About Dairy as We Flip the Food Pyramid?
Generally, public health experts recommend that we avoid foods high in saturated fat such as butter or chee
