For decades, Americans have been taught to follow a “food pyramid” that prioritized refined grains, low-fat processed foods, and calorie counting over real nourishment. The result? We are now facing an unprecedented epidemic of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune illness, cancer, infertility, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
It is time for a new food pyramid, one rooted in real food, metabolic health, and good food science.
At Solidarity, we believe healthcare begins long before someone walks into a doctor’s office. It begins in the grocery aisle. And unfortunately, many of today’s food products are engineered not for health, but for shelf life, profit margins, and hyper-palatability, often at the expense of long-term wellness.
America is finally turning a corner on nutrition.
With the release of the newly updated food pyramid and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans under the administration, supported by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., our nation is witnessing the most significant reset of nutrition policy in over 40 years.
For the first time, national policy is now aligned with what clinicians have known for years:
Food is medicine. And ingredient quality matters. View the official federal dietary guidelines and new food pyramid at dietaryguidelines.gov.
Why the Old Food Pyramid Failed America
The original USDA food pyramid placed refined grains at the base, discouraged natural fats, and promoted low-fat processed foods. This model drove:
- Excessive carbohydrate consumption
- Widespread insulin resistance
- Chronic inflammation
- Hormonal dysregulation
- Explosive growth of ultra-processed food products
The result? America became the sickest developed nation in the world. The new pyramid corrects these mistakes.
The New Food Pyramid: Built on Real Food
The new pyramid emphasizes nutrient density, metabolic health, and whole-food nutrition.
Foundation: Protein & Whole Foods
The priority of the pyramid now consists of:
- Grass-fed beef and pasture-raised poultry
- Wild-caught fish and seafood
- Eggs
- Organ meats
- Bone broth
These foods provide:
- Essential amino acids
- Iron, zinc, and vitamin B12
- Choline
- Omega-3 fats
Together, they are foundational for brain health, immune function, hormone production, and cellular repair.
Second Layer: Healthy Fats
Natural fats are restored to their rightful place as essential nutrients:
- Olive oil
- Avocado
- Coconut oil
- Butter and ghee
- Tallow and lard (from clean sources)
- Nuts and seeds
These support:
- Brain development
- Hormone production
- Cell membrane integrity
- Anti-inflammatory pathways
Third Layer: Vegetables & Low-Glycemic Fruits
- Leafy greens
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Root vegetables
- Berries
- Citrus
Rich in:
- Fiber
- Antioxidants
- Polyphenols
- Micronutrients
Fourth Layer: Minimally Processed Carbohydrates
Consumed in moderation:
- Sweet potatoes
- Squash
- Rice
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Sourdough or fermented grains
Removed from the Pyramid
- Ultra-processed foods
- Refined seed oils
- Artificial sweeteners
- Synthetic dyes
- Chemical preservatives
Why Ingredient Integrity Matters
The updated guidelines also take a strong stance against the dominance of ultra-processed foods, which now make up more than 61.9% of youth diets and 53% of adult diets.
These foods are engineered for shelf life, hyper-palatability, and addictive consumption patterns – not for health. They are strongly associated with obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and increased cancer risk.
Harmful Food Dyes and Additives to Avoid
In addition to the updated Food Pyramid, one of the most important public health conversations now re-entering the national spotlight is the impact of synthetic food dyes and chemical additives, many of which are banned in Europe but remain legal in the United States. Here is a list of harmful food dyes and additives to watch out for when shopping for your family.
Artificial Food Dyes
Artificial food dyes are petroleum-derived chemicals offer zero nutritional value and are increasingly linked to neurologic and behavioral harm. These dyes are commonly found in candy, breakfast cereals, sports drinks, fruit snacks, frostings, yogurts, and packaged desserts.
Red 40 (Allura Red)
- Linked to ADHD and hyperactivity
- Associated with behavioral disorders in children
- Possible increased cancer risk
Yellow 5 (Tartrazine)
- Associated with asthma exacerbations
- Linked to allergic reactions
- May contribute to neurobehavioral effects
Yellow 6
- Linked to tumor formation in animal studies
- Associated with intestinal inflammation
Blue 1 & Blue 2
- Associated with neurotoxicity
- Possible increased cancer risk
Harmful Additives and Preservatives
Other harmful additives and preservatives are also widespread in the food supply. Potassium bromate, often used in bread products, has been linked to kidney damage, thyroid dysfunction, and cancer risk. BHA and BHT, common in cereals and snack foods, are associated with hormone disruption and tumor formation. Propyl paraben has been linked to estrogen disruption and fertility issues, while titanium dioxide, used to whiten foods, has been associated with DNA damage and gut inflammation. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin are linked to insulin resistance, disruption of the gut microbiome, and neurologic symptoms.
How Families Can Implement the New Pyramid Today
Families can begin making changes immediately by becoming more intentional about how they shop, cook, and eat. The goal is not perfection, but progress — replacing ultra-processed foods with real, nourishing ingredients that support the body’s natural design.
- Read ingredient labels – fewer ingredients is better
- Avoid artificial colors completely
- Shop the perimeter of the store
- Choose organic for grains and sprout and mill when possible
- Cook at home more often
- Replace seed oils with olive oil, butter, and avocado oil
A National Reset on Health
The release of the new federal food pyramid marks a turning point in American healthcare. It represents a return to common sense, nutritional science, metabolic health, and food integrity. At Solidarity, we believe true healthcare begins with stewardship of our bodies, our families, and our future. The food we eat becomes our cells. It becomes our bodily systems. It becomes our hormones. It can either protect us from disease or contribute to it.
Let us restore the health of our families and nation, one meal at a time.
In Solidarity,
