Office Hours: Answering Your Questions on the New Dietary Guidelines
19 January 2026

Office Hours: Answering Your Questions on the New Dietary Guidelines

The Dr. Hyman Show

About
In this Office Hours episode, I break down what the government finally got right about food, where the new guidelines still fall short, and—most importantly—how to apply them in real life without confusion or overwhelm. For the first time in decades, there’s meaningful progress: a recognition that ultra-processed foods are harming us, that protein matters for optimal health, and that nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all. But there’s still work to do.

In this episode, I break down:
• Why calling out ultra-processed foods is the most important—and historic—shift in the new guidelines
• What the new protein recommendations actually mean for everyday people
• Why the low-fat era is finally ending—and why whole foods matter more than isolated nutrients
• Where the guidelines still fall short, including saturated fat limits, whole grain recommendations, and lack of personalization
• How to apply the guidelines to kids and families without perfection or overwhelm
• Why chronic disease is a policy problem—not a personal failure

The new dietary guidelines are a foundation, not a finish line. Use them as a starting point: focus on food quality, reduce ultra-processed foods, prioritize protein, and personalize your choices based on how your body responds.

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Helpful Resources:
Join the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Health
https://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detox

Nutrition 101: The Foundation of Feeling Your Best
https://drhyman.com/pages/nutrition-101

Pre-order my book, Food Fix Uncensored:
https://drhyman.com/pages/food-fix

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