America’s new “eat real food” dietary guidelines are reshaping official advice, putting protein at the centre of every meal and endorsing full‑fat dairy while telling people to cut ultra‑processed foods. Protein targets have jumped from 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight to 1.2–1.6 grams, despite the shift resting largely on weight‑loss and exercise studies that may not reflect the wider population’s needs. Critics say the inverted food pyramid visually elevates meat, dairy and oils in ways that clash with written advice to balance plant and animal foods and keep saturated fat under 10% of total energy. They also warn that vague alcohol guidance, downplayed health equity and documented industry ties risk undermining public trust in the overhaul, as detailed in the original analysis at The Conversation.