U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has described the newly released federal dietary guidelines as "a flipping of the narrative," aiming to move Americans away from highly processed packaged foods. The updated recommendations were unveiled by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Wednesday, , and discussed in detail during Rollins' appearance on Good Morning America on Thursday.

Key Changes in the Guidelines

The new federal dietary guidelines represent a significant shift in nutritional advice, prioritizing whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, protein-rich meals including red meat, full-fat dairy, and whole grains without added sugars. Rollins emphasized the groundbreaking nature of these changes, stating, "Today was a reset of all of that in these dietary guidelines focusing on eating real food, nutrient-dense foods, saturated fat, meats, fruits and vegetables, whole milk—all of that now becomes front and center. And that's real, that's unprecedented."

Additional recommendations include:

• Limiting added sugars and refined carbohydrates.
• Reducing consumption of highly processed foods like potato chips, cookies, and energy drinks.
• Avoiding sweetened beverages, including sodas and diet sodas, due to artificial sweeteners.

According to Kennedy, the guidelines aim to combat the nationwide obesity epidemic by encouraging Americans to make healthier, more sustainable choices. "It's about resetting the foundation of how we approach food and nutrition," Kennedy said.

Impact on Central Oklahoma

The new guidelines may have significant implications for residents of Central Oklahoma, where convenience foods and processed meals are commonly consumed. Local health advocates believe the emphasis on whole foods could lead to improved public health outcomes, but challenges remain for families with limited access to fresh produce or whole foods.

Oklahoma’s agricultural sector, known for its beef and dairy production, could see a boost as the guidelines promote red meat and full-fat dairy. Farmers and ranchers in areas like Kingfisher, Stillwater, and Chickasha may benefit from increased demand for these nutrient-dense options.

What's Next

Rollins and Kennedy plan to promote the guidelines through a nationwide campaign aimed at educating the public on the benefits of whole, unprocessed foods. The initiative will include partnerships with schools, local governments, and community organizations to make healthier food options more accessible and affordable.

Local nutritionist Susan Hartley, based in Norman, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the guidelines but noted the importance of education. "This isn't just about telling people to eat better; it's about providing the tools and resources to make those changes sustainable," Hartley said.