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Bring back the carbs! Spanish experts raise eyebrows at new US food pyramid
The protein-heavy American rethink is completely at odds with Mediterranean diet basics
The United States has unveiled a brand new food pyramid and to say it’s caused a stir is a bit of an understatement, with even nutrition experts here in Spain weighing in on the debate. The new model, promoted by the Trump administration, literally turns years of dietary advice on its head by putting protein, whole dairy and fats front and centre, while carbs quietly step aside.
The message from Washington is all about “real food”, with ultra-processed products officially labelled a public health problem for the first time. The guidelines also argue that changing how Americans eat could help cut healthcare costs, most of which are linked to diet-related illnesses.
So far, so sensible. Where things get controversial is how the new pyramid actually looks.
Instead of the familiar base of grains, fruit and vegetables, the American version is flipped around. Meat, dairy and fats take pride of place, with recommendations to increase protein intake to levels more usually associated with athletes. Healthy fats are back in fashion, carbs are firmly out, and the old MyPlate model has been quietly shown the door.
Spanish nutrition experts are not convinced. Rosa María Ortega, a professor of nutrition at the Complutense University of Madrid, says the pyramid goes against decades of international consensus.
In Spain, the Mediterranean diet still puts vegetables, fruit, grains and lifestyle at the heart of healthy eating, with meat playing a much smaller role. She also points out that the US image gives little guidance on portions, leaving people guessing how to apply it in real life.Others have questioned the heavy focus on red meat and animal fats, warning that it could increase cardiovascular risk. Meanwhile, legumes barely get a mention, something the Spanish experts find baffling given their importance in both Mediterranean diets and modern health guidelines.
One nutritionist joked that you need a magnifying glass to spot the beans.
While cutting ultra-processed food is widely welcomed, many Spanish specialists believe the American pyramid sends mixed messages. The Mediterranean diet, they say, already has strong scientific backing and a long track record of reducing heart disease and improving overall health, without needing to flip the pyramid upside down.
Images: USDA / UCM
