Less meat, more plants: top US heart body’s diet advice at odds with MahaAmerican Heart Association bucks Trump administration line to suggest prioritizing plant-based protein over meat In contrast to the federal government’s recommendation of use of beef tallow and consumption of red meat, the AHA pushed for plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts and seeds. Photograph: Allen J Schaben/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images The American Heart Association’s new nutrition guidance, released on Tuesday, emphasizes a dietary pattern rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, prioritizing plant-based protein over meat. It also suggests limiting the use of sugar, salt and ultra-processed foods and replacing full fat dairy with non-fat and low-fat dairy. Donald Trump earlier this year announced a new slate of dietary guidelines that recommended Americans eat more protein from both animal and plant sources, and encouraged the consumption of full-fat dairy. In contrast to the federal government’s recommendation of use of beef tallow and consumption of red meat, the AHA is pushing for plant-based proteins such as legumes, nuts and seeds, choosing low-fat or fat-free dairy, and, when consuming red meat, selecting lean cuts, avoiding processed forms and keeping portions small. The Trump administration and health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr’s push to “Make America healthy again” has focused on the removal of synthetic dyes, other chemical ingredients, ultra-processed foods, consumption of less sugar and seed oils. The AHA also suggests Americans choose sources of unsaturated fats, avoid ultraprocessed foods and minimize intake of added sugars in beverages and foods. The organization recommended Americans to prepare foods with minimal or no salt, and limit the intake of alcohol. The guidance also recommended children can and should begin following a heart-healthy dietary pattern starting at one year old. The AHA’s guidance was aligned with the US Food and Drug Administration’s dietary guidelines on major issues, a spokesperson from the FDA said, adding they looked forward to working collaboratively with AHA. The AHA, which is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, releases dietary guidance about every five years to promote cardiovascular health. ARTICLE SOURCE: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/01/american-heart-association-dietary-guidelines-maha
Hi all!
I have recently had a melanoma removed from my parotid gland and have been put on pembro immunotherepy for a year to make sure its all dealt with.
I have just turned 50, I want to lose a few pounds and also give my body the best chance to keep the ol' cancer at bay. A few weeks ago I thought I would do a test run with the carnivore diet for a week and was very strict with it for the full 7 days. I cant lie, after 2 days I was getting bored of eating just meat and eggs but I set the goal and followed through with it. I did lose a few pounds, probably just water weight but I'll take that anyway - I was only having 2 meals a day but both were very filling. When I stopped the diet I noticed immediately how bloated I felt going back to bread and pasta etc.
So I wanted to check in with all you who have stuck to it with a couple of questions if that's ok?
Does anyone have any knowledge of the effects of the carnivore diet whilst on immunotherepy, if any at all? My original oncologist (he has now retired) just said to eat 'normally' and I have yet to speak to his replacement for any advice. I am not sure when that will be, hopefully very soon. Unfortunately the chemo/immunotherrepy nurses cant give any advice on these matters- they couldn't confirm if I was immuno compromised when getting a live vaccine for my dog let alone offer any information on this subject. Would a keto/carnivore diet in itself be of benefit for me with regards to either preventing the return of or fighting existing cancer?
Also, how do you chaps deal with the monotony of meals? What sources for recipes would you recommend ? I am in the u.k. and decent cuts of meat can be very expensive so any pointers on cheaper meats would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can give!
Dave