The Diet Trend Taking Over the Internet Has Experts Divided

New federal dietary guidelines released at the start of 2026 are intensifying debate among nutrition experts, particularly online diet trends that are leaning into protein and dairy. Issued under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the guidance calls for three daily servings of dairy and advises avoiding added sugar until age 10. PBS described it as a “flipped” food pyramid, while Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the plan centers “real food.” At the same time, “protein maxxing” is rising alongside greater GLP-1 use, according to a U.S. News survey of 58 experts. Johns Hopkins researchers say most Americans meet protein needs but fall short on fiber.