Everyone’s body is affected by what they eat, whether that shows in their athletic performance, mental health, or academic results. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’s new 2026 dietary guidelines have faced significant backlash because of some of the new recommendations.
Nutrition experts believe the increased push for protein could be detrimental, given that Americans already consume more than necessary. According to Dariush Mozaffarian, a Tufts University nutrition expert, too much protein could increase the risk of diabetes and the development of many dangerous abdominal fats.
“The new document relied on evidence from 30 studies that looked at the effects of higher-protein diets on weight management and nutrient adequacy,” PBS said.
However, these models presuppose that everyone is focusing on weight reduction. Newer evidence published in the Journal of the American Medical Association corroborates that there are no noticeable benefits to the higher-protein intake, suggesting that the findings are only applicable to athletes building muscle through strength training.
Because different people have different needs, Pinewood athletic trainer Javi Margarito believes that dietary guidelines should be more personalized.
“An athlete should be eating differently than someone who is a type two diabetic,” Margarito said.
Empirically, a healthy diet has been a great asset to an athlete’s performance. Using the analogy of different gas grades, Margarito explains that using cheap fuel fails to keep an engine running.
“If you want to keep your engine running well, you cannot fuel it with 85 octane,” Margarito said. “Some vehicles require the driver to use only 91. Yes, it’s more expensive, but it’s an investment in the vehicle’s performance and longevity.”
Another criticism is the inconsistencies in the dietary guidelines. Empirically, “MyPlate” recommendations (the dietary guidelines prior to the current ones) and the 1992 pyramid promoted focus on grain consumption, recommending that people eat around five to eight servings of grains a day. The 2026 guidelines have completely inverted the food pyramid, prioritizing protein, vegetables, and healthy fats over grains.
Margarito believes that we need to be more educated, rather than just ignoring a simple guideline.
“At Pinewood, I see a lot of students order in from fast food establishments frequently,” Margarito said. “It might taste better, or it’s a status thing. Who knows the reason? Ultimately, people are going to eat what they want to eat.”
Before people actually make changes to their diets, their perspectives on what’s going into their bodies has to change.
“You should always try to strive to get real food in your body and keep processed foods to a minimum,” Margarito said.
