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
Hello All,
My name is Steve, I'm 64yo and I've been doing low carb on and off since the 90's. It allowed me to be thin enough to stay in the Air Force, but after I retired in 2016 I wasn't really doing it. I also was diagnosed with RA in 2005. Using tylenol and motrin, I was able to keep it in check. However, starting 1 year ago I had severe pain in my R knee, so that I walked w a limp. Stairs were tough. My L shoulder hurt constantly and my R hand had constant pain. I went to the VA and saw a rheumatologist who started me on meds that seemed to help my R knee, but not much help with the rest. My weight went from 220 to 272 when I looked into resuming low carb when I came across the Carnivore Diet. As a RN and former low carber, it made sense to everything I knew about how the body worked. So...I have been on Carnivore for 3 weeks. I am down to 260. I have no L shoulder pain. I have only a touch of R knee pain and am at 2/10 pain (down from 6/10) in my R hand. The aching in my feet and ankles if almost gone. My hemorrhoids are greatly decreased to where they don't bother me at all. I feel 10 years younger. My stamina has greatly increased. Doing projects in the yard that I would have had to take numerous 30 min breaks, now maybe one 5 min break. I have committed myself to at least 6 months of Carnivore. My best weight in my life was 160. For now, my goal is 200. Well...that is my story. Thanks for having this group.