Flawed Nutrition Guidance Continues
The US has been providing nutrition recommendations for decades now... however, seldom is their guidance based on solid science. Unfortunately, the new Dietary Guidelines due out in 2025, are more of the same - 45% of the experts have ties to the food industry. Read on to see why this continues to be problematic for American health.
#1 The Latest Scientific Report: Bad Science with Big Consequences
The U.S. government recently released a scientific report that will inform the 2025 Dietary Guidelines—and it’s already raising red flags. Ever since the government started issuing nutrition advice, rates of obesity, chronic disease, and metabolic disorders have skyrocketed. This report? It’s more of the same flawed thinking:
- Cut back on red and processed meats.
- Replace meat, poultry, and eggs with beans, peas, and lentils.
- Place no limits on ultraprocessed foods.
- Keep limits on saturated fats—and replace them with vegetable (seed) oils.
Even more shocking, the report admits that its recommendations lack key nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin E, and fiber—yet they’re pushing forward anyway. Why?
The science is clear: ultraprocessed foods and industrial seed oils are not the answer. Real, nutrient-dense foods—like pastured meats, healthy fats, and fermented veggies—are the foundation of good health.
#2 Why Flawed Nutrition Science Hurts Us All
It’s frustrating. The report treats all proteins as equal, lumping nutrient-rich animal proteins into the same category as beans and lentils.
But here’s the truth: plant-based proteins are far less bioavailable, meaning your body absorbs fewer of their nutrients.
Take a look at this example:
- A 4 oz steak provides 28 grams of protein with 0 grams of carbs and 180 calories.
- To match the same 28 grams of protein from kidney beans, you’d need to eat 14 oz of beans—which adds 77 grams of carbs and 420 calories to your meal.
That’s over twice the calories and a massive carbohydrate load, just to get the same amount of protein. This makes plant proteins far less efficient, especially for growing kids, the elderly, or the 85+% of Americans managing blood sugar or weight issues.
Once again, the report misses the mark, failing to distinguish between quality and quantity of protein. We really deserve better guidance that supports real health, not calorie overload.
#3 Why These Guidelines Are Especially Harmful for Growing Kids
Growing children—especially those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—need nutrient-dense foods to support brain development, gut health, and overall growth. Reducing animal proteins and replacing them with plant-based alternatives like beans and lentils doesn’t provide the same essential nutrients, including:
- Vitamin B12 (critical for neurological function)
- Heme iron (easily absorbed and vital for energy)
- Choline (supports brain development and memory)
Children with ASD often have increased nutrient needs, gut health challenges, and picky eating behaviors, making it even more critical to provide foods rich in bioavailable vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. The report’s refusal to limit ultraprocessed foods only makes matters worse, as these foods are linked to inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and behavioral issues.
#4 Let’s Cut Through the Noise—Together
If you’re tired of trying to make sense of confusing nutrition advice, I can help. My Nourish to Flourish Package for ASDfocuses on healing the gut, reducing inflammation, and supporting your child’s health through nutrient-dense, real food strategies.
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Let’s get back to the basics: real food, real health, and real results.
Remember, health is a birthright. Claim yours.
Chat soon,
Lubna
