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
My son tried the carnivore diet, lost 12 or so pounds and then gave it up after about three weeks. I thought I would give it a try. Like most, men I just opened the box and didn't read any of the directions. LOL It took me a week to come off the Mountain Dew but went straight to an all-meat diet. For me, being a boring eater anyway, it has been relatively easy on just meats. The weight immediately started to fall off as I am 6'2" and was 306lbs. 6 pounds the first week and 9 the second week, give or take a day. I rolled onto my 12-hour rotating shifts and did the carnivore thing but only ate once a day. After that rotation I had lost over 20lbs and just this past weekend I had lost 30 pounds in 32 days. I have eaten nothing but meats and eggs from the start. I did continue to use drink mixers as I am not that big on drinking just water. This past week I decided to do some research.
The weight loss has been amazing, and I am no one to scream, "Hey look at me" but.....I have NMO/Devic's, autoimmune disease similar to Multiple Sclerosis. After a string of 12–14-hour night shifts I have pain in my upper back and at the base of my neck due to the inflammation from stenosis and healed lesions. For the last couple of years, the days after the string of night shifts, I take a prednisone for the inflammation, and it keeps me going. This week as I read about the benefits of the carnivore diet in regard to inflammation and I remembered I didn't need the prednisone this past week.
I didn't do any electrolytes, vitamins or supplements the first 32 days. Just meats and water. I felt fine other than a bout with diarrhea that was rather severe. The first day I tried an electrolyte drink I felt like I was bloated like a balloon. Lots of gas as well.
I'm into the second 60 second day stint. I don't really have any weight loss goals just get healthier.
I feel great and I the morning oohs and ahhs are gone.
Time will tell.
Scott