139 | The New Food Pyramid: Experts React to the Dietary Guidelines

The 2026 Dietary Guidelines for Americans just dropped and the new upside-down food pyramid caused quite the chatter online this week. In this special Nutrition Newsroom roundtable, Colleen Sloan, PA, RDN, brings together nine nutrition experts to break down what the new guidelines actually are (and what they’re not), what stayed the same, what changed, and what’s missing. You’ll hear respectful disagreement, real-world clinical concerns, and practical talking points you can use the next time a patient says, “So… butter is healthy now?”Here’s what we discuss: What the Dietary Guidelines are designed to do and how they’re created. Plus what was different about the 2026 processWhy the new pyramid graphic is creating mixed messages for clinicians and consumersThe most controversial updates: saturated fat, full-fat dairy, added sugar guidance for kids, new protein targets, and alcohol recommendationsHow to translate all of this into patient-friendly counseling without fearmongering or food shamingWhat experts say the guidelines missed: fiber, cultural diversity, access/affordability, and community surrounding mealsWhat are your thoughts on the new guideline?Resources:Dietary Guideline Advisory Committee ProcessScientific Foundation for the New GuidelinesNew Dietary GuidelinesConnect with the experts:Jennifer Van ZantChristina LinkCrystal DuqueBarbara RuhsTony CastilloMarina ChaparroKrystal ZunigaGisela BouvierDustin MooreAny Questions? Send Me a MessageSupport the showConnect with Colleen:InstagramLinkedInSign up for my FREE Newsletter - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week.Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.