Upside-down food pyramid pushes a fat-forward, meat-heavy diet debate

Health Secretary RFK Jr. unveiled 2026 dietary guidelines that flip the traditional MyPlate into an upside-down pyramid, highlighting high-quality fats (including beef tallow) and higher protein intake. Prominent longevity advocates applauded the shift toward whole foods, while some experts and commentators questioned the emphasis on red meat and questioned environmental and ethical implications. The recommendations call for increasing protein from 0.8 g/kg to 1.2–1.6 g/kg, with critics noting potential effects on animal welfare and climate, and supporters framing the change as a move away from ultraprocessed foods toward nutrient-dense options.