WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The Trump administration has released new federal dietary guidelines that urge Americans to eat more protein and sharply limit sugary and processed foods. The changes mark a major shift in U.S. nutrition policy and place red meat, full-fat dairy, and whole foods at the center of a healthy diet.

The guidelines, unveiled Wednesday by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., reverse decades of advice that warned against red meat and high-fat foods. They move steak, cheese, and whole milk closer to the top of recommended daily eating patterns.

“My message is clear: Eat real food,” Kennedy said during a briefing. He framed the new dietary guidelines as a tool to fight chronic disease and improve long-term health. The document is much shorter than past versions and reflects the priorities of Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again movement. It stresses protein intake and cuts back on refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and processed foods.

The new guidelines recommend that adults consume between 1.2 and 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day. That level is far higher than the previous federal recommendation of 0.8 grams.

Most Americans already meet basic protein needs. Still, some experts support higher intake for people trying to lose weight or build muscle. The guidelines say protein can come from red meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy. The document does not encourage Americans to choose plant-based protein over animal sources. Research has linked plant-forward diets to lower risks of heart disease and early death, but the guidelines do not highlight those findings.

The administration takes a tougher stance on added sugars. The guidelines urge Americans to avoid sugar-sweetened drinks and limit other sugary foods. They also advise that children should not consume added sugars until age 10, a sharp change from prior guidance that set the limit at age 2.

The document also calls for a major reduction in highly processed refined carbohydrates, including white bread, flour tortillas, and crackers. It warns against foods with added sugars, excess sodium, and certain additives. While the term “ultraprocessed foods” does not appear, the guidelines recommend avoiding items like chips, cookies, and candy that contain artificial flavors, preservatives, petroleum-based dyes, and low-calorie sweeteners.

For months, Kennedy signaled that the new dietary guidelines would end what he called the “war” on saturated fat. That raised alarms among nutrition experts.

The final document keeps the existing limit in place. It says saturated fat should make up no more than 10 percent of daily calories. However, it also encourages foods high in saturated fat, including red meat, butter, beef tallow, and full-fat dairy.

Health groups say that advice sends mixed signals. A single eight-ounce rib-eye steak can exceed the daily saturated fat limit for many adults. Saturated fat has long been linked to higher cholesterol and increased heart disease risk. The American Heart Association issued a cautious statement. It warned that the guidance could lead to excess saturated fat and sodium intake.

The American Medical Association endorsed the guidelines, despite recently criticizing Kennedy’s changes to childhood vaccine policy. Kennedy also thanked the American Academy of Pediatrics, even as the group sues him over vaccine decisions.

Kennedy rejected recommendations from an expert panel formed during the Biden administration. He instead relied on a new group of advisers who worked privately. Five of the 10 experts reported recent financial ties to beef, dairy, pork, or food and pharmaceutical companies.

On alcohol, the guidelines advise Americans to drink “less” but do not define limits. Earlier versions set clear daily caps for men and women. The sodium recommendation remains unchanged. The guidelines allow salt for cooking but urge people to avoid salty processed foods.

Federal dietary guidelines shape meals served in schools, hospitals, prisons, military bases, and nutrition assistance programs. The government updates them every five years and rarely makes sweeping changes.