First food pyramid of its kind released with international seal of approval – and goes against Trump’s advice

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A unique food pyramid, developed by a group of international nutritionists, has been released and goes against the Trump administration’s recommendations for healthy eating.

The new guidelines, designed by 22 leading nutritionists from Europe, Canada, the United States and Australia, echo the traditional food pyramid used in the United States for decades by giving advice on daily food groups and portion sizes.

The new food pyramid, endorsed by global carbohydrate experts, breaks from the Trump administration’s updated nutritional guidelines, which follow Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s “MAHA” agenda and prioritize red meat over plants.

Instead, the new pyramid emphasizes plant-based protein sources, cooking with vegetable oils, and healthier sugars and carbohydrates.

“When preparing a meal, start by thinking about what plant foods you want to highlight,” said Karen Della Corte, a nutrition scientist at Brigham Young University. “What vegetables, whole or lower GI grains, beans or lentils could you include? »

Decades of research have shown that regular consumption of red meat — high in saturated fats that raise cholesterol levels — is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer and premature death.

In a further departure from the Trump administration’s denial of climate change, researchers recognize the livestock industry’s heavy impact in worsening carbon and methane emissions that are driving up global temperatures.

“Our diet should not only be for our own health, but also for the health of our planet,” said co-author David Jenkins, a professor at the University of Toronto and creator of the glycemic index. “Our scientific base needs to be comprehensive enough to include this.”

The pyramid also recommends keeping sugar intake below 10 percent of a person’s total calories, consistent with old U.S. guidelines. The Trump administration changed the guidelines this year to ask people to consume no more than 10 grams of added sugar per meal, in an effort to make them easier to understand.

Like carbohydrates, not all sources of sugar are equal. Sugary drinks are of particular concern, the scientists noted. Replace it with sugar-free sparkling water or just plain water, the group advises.

The new pyramid also says canola or olive oil should be used instead of animal fats such as butter or tallow for cooking. Beans, peas, lentils, fish, poultry or yogurt should be eaten more often as protein sources than red and processed meats.

But these changes won’t be easy for everyone, scientists acknowledge, especially with soaring food prices around the world.

“We need food environments that make it easier to put the pyramid’s recommendations into practice,” said co-author Anette Buyken, a professor at Germany’s University of Paderborn. “Knowing what’s healthy and being motivated to eat healthily isn’t enough when those choices are difficult or expensive. »