The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released the Scientific Report of the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. This report recommends changes to the current dietary guidelines based on the latest nutrition research. The report, public comments and federal agency input will inform the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, which should be finalized and released in late 2025.
The Dietary Guidelines provide healthy eating recommendations to the public to promote overall health. Updated every five years, they guide the creation and facilitation of national nutrition programs and nutrition education. As a dietitian, I use the Dietary Guidelines to help people understand what to eat for optimal health.
This year, the committee proposed two big changes to the guidelines, including a push for more plant-based foods and greater inclusivity initiatives. Here’s a closer look at the suggested changes.
Change 1: Eat more beans for better health
First and foremost, the committee recommends eating more beans, peas and lentils, while reducing the intake of red and processed meats. Beans, peas and lentils are lower in saturated fat than red meat, and they contain fiber.
Research links greater consumption of beans, peas and lentils with beneficial health outcomes and reduced risk of chronic disease. Conversely, eating more red and processed meats is associated with higher intake of saturated fat and negative health consequences. Evidence also suggests swapping out red meat for plant-based proteins can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease symptoms.
Formerly, beans, peas and lentils were a subgroup of the vegetable food group, but the new report recommends moving these foods to the protein food group to encourage more plant-based protein consumption. Specifically, the committee proposes reorganizing the the protein food group to feature:
- First: Beans, peas, and lentils
- Second: Nuts, seeds and soy products
- Third: Seafood
- Last: Meats, poultry and eggs
Change 2: A more flexible definition of “healthy”
The second change emphasizes the importance of individual needs and cultural differences when it comes defining a “healthy” diet.
The proposed name of the newly proposed dietary pattern — Eat Healthy Your Way — recognizes that healthy eating and nutrition-related chronic health conditions vary among individuals and between sociodemographic groups. For example, the prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and Type 2 diabetes is higher among lower-income families.
The new report notes that “culturally relevant eating recommendations help promote better adherence and support the uptake of dietary guidance by providing individuals with foods that align with their cultural practices and preferences.” They suggest using interactive technology to provide consumers with culturally-relevant and inclusive nutrition guidance.
But again, it’s important to note that these proposed changes to the Dietary Guidelines are not finalized. The final 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines will be released next year.
Benefits of plant-based eating
I have been a vegetarian for over a decade and constantly promote the power of plants. So, it probably comes as no surprise that I’m thrilled about the proposed changes to the Dietary Guidelines.
The popularity of plant-based diets has increased in recent years, and with good reason. Science shows that eating more plants is linked to better health outcomes, like a decreased risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and obesity.
Plant-based foods — especially beans, peas and lentils — are higher in beneficial nutrients, like fiber, which promotes digestive regularity and clears “bad” LDL cholesterol from the body, as well as antioxidants and plant compounds that decrease harmful inflammation. Plus, plant foods are rich in essential micronutrients.
In addition, eating more plants and less animal products has positive environmental impacts.
