01/08/2026
For the first time in years, there’s a stronger emphasis on whole, real foods, and that is definitely a win! That shift alone acknowledges what many of us in the nutrition and functional medicine spaces have been saying for years: food quality matters more than calorie quantity.
However, one recommendation still deserves deeper scientific scrutiny: the guideline that continues to promote that less than 10% of total calories should come from saturated fat. I believe this should be even lower. This recommendation is often discussed solely through the lens of cholesterol and cardiovascular risk, which is completely valid, but, saturated fat intake also plays a meaningful role in gut health and microbiome balance, which deserves equal attention. Research shows that higher saturated fat intake, especially when not balanced with adequate fiber and phytonutrients,can negatively shift gut microbial composition. This isn’t just about the fat itself. It is about dietary context.
Once again, bioindividuality matters.
Population-wide guidelines are a starting point, but they can not replace personalized care. With nearly two decades of experience in nutrition and specialized training in functional gut health, I help clients move beyond generic recommendations. I look at how fats, fibers, protein, and food quality in general interact with your unique biology instead of applying fear-based rules.
Next revision suggestion: the food pyramid
without glyphosate. 💯 👍
