01/08/2026
This👇. Eat. Real. Food.
I've been getting asked for my thoughts on the new US Dietary Guidelines released yesterday by the HHS. You can find the overview on realfood.gov. As we all know, food has always been a charged topic. Everyone has an opinion because everyone has unique needs and experiences with it. Collectively, food sits at the intersection of culture, health, access, identity, science, and economics. So it is not surprising that new dietary guidelines spark strong reactions.
In this era of great division, rather than getting pulled into polarized debates, I think it is worth stepping back and focusing on what actually unites us regarding these guidelines. One thing stuck with me was the headline as well as the website:
Eat Real Food.
Foods that look like they came from the earth or sea. Foods that are minimally processed. Foods with recognizable ingredients. Foods prepared and eaten with intention. Across cultures, cuisines, and dietary preferences, there is broad agreement on one foundational principle.
Dietary guidelines are written for populations, not individuals. They are meant to guide policy and public health, not dictate how every person should eat. Real nourishment does not come from chasing macronutrient targets or debating single nutrients in isolation. It comes from patterns. Meals built around whole foods, natural colors, diversity, and the rhythm of the day and seasons. It comes from paying attention to how food fits into our bodies, our lives, and our cultures.
When we return to real food, the body often becomes a better guide than any headline or guideline. If we start there, many of the debates tone down. There is room for differences in protein sources, fat choices, and carbohydrate tolerance. There is room for personalization, life stage, and metabolic individuality.
At a time when food conversations feel increasingly divisive, returning to this shared foundation matters. Let's continue to find our similarities and what we can share as people.
✅Eat real food.
✅Build meals with natural colors and diversity.
✅Honor rhythm and context.
