Every five years, the U.S. dietary guidelines get updated. Usually, that update triggers some mix of frustration, disbelief and déjà vu. This time was different… not because the guidelines suddenly got human nutrition right, but because they moved slightly closer to reality. There's finally more emphasis on whole foods and less on ultra-processed junk. The old grain-heavy food pyramid has effectively been flipped. That alone is meaningful progress. If someone followed these guidelines instead of the Standard American Diet, they'd likely see improvements in weight, blood sugar and overall metabolic health. But "better than before" isn't the same as optimal. In this episode, I walk through what the new guidelines get right, and where they still fall short – especially for people who care about metabolic health, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding and raising resilient kids. One major issue is immediately evident: nutrient density and bioavailability are largely ignored. The pyramid's Vitamin A recommendations focus on plant sources that require conversion, while the most reliable sources — animal foods like liver, eggs and dairy — are absent from the conversation. Meanwhile, protein sources are treated as interchangeable, even though amino acid profiles, micronutrients, and absorption differ dramatically between animal and plant foods. Dairy is included, but without meaningful context around processing methods and individual tolerance. Baby formula is framed as an "alternative" to breast milk, without acknowledging the trade-offs. Fruits and vegetables are encouraged "throughout the day," quietly endorsing constant snacking while ignoring metabolic rest. None of this is accidental. These guidelines are political compromises more than they're based on physiological reality. They're designed to be broadly acceptable, not metabolically precise. The takeaway isn't to blindly reject the guidelines — it's to treat them as a starting point, not a finish line. Real health requires understanding food quality, preparation, sourcing, and context — not just categories on a chart. This episode is about learning where to think for yourself, where nuance matters, and why trusting labels or authority without questioning incentives has never been a winning strategy. Learn More: Everything you need to learn about the new food pyramid guidelines: https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/press-releases/2026/01/07/kennedy-rollins-unveil-historic-reset-us-nutrition-policy-put-real-food-back-center-health We use MK Supplements organ meats to support nutrient density beyond the 2026 Food Pyramid. Use code YOUTUBE for 20% off your first order: 👉 https://mksupps.com Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven't worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury. To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review: https://michaelkummer.com/health/peluva-review/ And use code MICHAEL to get 10% off your first pair: https://michaelkummer.com/go/peluva In this episode: 00:00 Introduction to the new dietary guidelines 01:08 Positive changes in the guidelines 01:58 Critique on vitamin A recommendations 03:58 Political compromises in dietary guidelines 05:32 Protein quality and misconceptions 06:25 Dairy: A half win with missing context 07:44 The issue with constant snacking 08:22 Formula vs. Breast milk 09:46 Missing elements in the guidelines 11:39 Final thoughts Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primalshiftpodcast/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you'd like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #FoodPyramid #USHealth
