As the United States updates its dietary advice, nutritionists in Kuwait say real health depends on lifestyle, food quality, and smarter cooking, not strict charts.
Kuwait City, 23 January 2026 — A new food pyramid introduced in the United States is sparking conversations far beyond American kitchens. But in Kuwait, nutrition specialists are urging people to stay calm and treat the updated model as a helpful guide, not a strict set of rules.
Speaking on Kuwaiti television, nutritionist Dr Dana Al-Salem said the revised pyramid reflects new research and the changes in modern lifestyles, but warned against following it blindly.
“It’s not sacred text,” she said, stressing that individuals should adapt nutrition advice based on their own health, daily routine, and medical needs.
A new pyramid, a new approach
The updated US food pyramid makes a noticeable shift from older federal dietary advice, which once promoted heavy grain intake while discouraging red meat, full-fat dairy, and saturated fats.
In the revised model, foods like red meat, cheese, dairy, fruits, and vegetables appear more prominently, while grains, especially refined carbohydrates, are pushed to a smaller portion. The message is clear: reduce processed carbs, focus more on real food, and rethink what “healthy” looks like.
Dr Al-Salem said the change can be positive, but it won’t suit everyone.
“I can’t say it suits everyone, especially when it comes to full fats,” she explained. “It depends on your way of life, your health, and whether you have any medical conditions.”
Traditional Kuwaiti food can still be healthy.
While food trends often focus on imported diets and international meal plans, Kuwaiti nutritionists say local cuisine can absolutely fit into a balanced lifestyle.
In a separate KTV interview, nutritionist Zainab Dashti shared that meals like machboos can be healthy depending on how they’re prepared. Instead of deep-frying meat, she suggested oven-roasting it to cut down on excess fat while keeping the flavor.
Dashti also highlighted batcha, a traditional dish made from slow-cooked sheep head and hooves, calling it a “nutritional bomb” when prepared correctly.
She recommended slow-cooking batcha for at least 12 hours on low heat, instead of the shorter six-hour method often used in restaurants. This longer process helps collagen and nutrients seep into the broth, making it richer and more beneficial.
The broth can even be frozen and reused later in stews or rice-based dishes, an easy way to add more nutrition without extra effort.
Why food advice keeps changing
Dr Al-Salem explained that it’s normal for nutrition guidelines to evolve because modern life has changed dramatically.
“Our eating habits, sleep patterns, and movement today are completely different from 20 years ago,” she said. “So, of course, nutritional needs will change.”
She noted that older food pyramid models were designed to fight malnutrition and obesity, but the outcomes were not always as expected. According to her, obesity rates and insulin resistance still increased over the years, raising questions about whether old recommendations truly worked.
She added that newer sciences like gut health and microbiome research were not even widely taught when she graduated in 2008, showing how fast nutrition knowledge is moving.
Carbs are shrinking, and many experts agree.
One of the biggest changes in the updated pyramid is the smaller focus on carbohydrates.
In the past, bread, rice, and pasta were seen as the foundation of a healthy diet. Now, the emphasis is shifting toward smaller servings and choosing whole grains over refined options.
Dr Al-Salem called this a positive step, especially as obesity and diabetes rates continue to rise around the world.
The return of full-fat foods: what it really means
Another major difference is the renewed attention on full-fat foods.
Dr Al-Salem explained that earlier “fat-free” diet trends often backfired because people felt hungry again quickly.
“When you eat something fat-free, you don’t feel full,” she said. “So you snack more.”
She also pointed out that fats play an important role in absorbing key vitamins like vitamin D, a nutrient many people in Kuwait are known to lack.
Still, she emphasized that not all fats are equal. She recommended healthier options such as olive oil, avocado oil, and small amounts of ghee or clarified butter for cooking. At the same time, she warned against heavily processed industrial vegetable oils, saying they may contribute to inflammation.
She also gave a clear warning about deep frying.
“Deep frying is never healthy, regardless of the oil used,” she said, adding that air fryers can be a smarter alternative when used with minimal oil.
Dashti agreed that natural fats can have a place in a healthy diet, but she emphasized moderation and reminded viewers that excessive saturated fat can still carry risks.
Protein matters, but so does quality
Protein is gaining more attention in today’s nutrition discussions because it helps people feel full and supports better blood sugar control.
However, Dr Al-Salem cautioned against focusing only on hitting protein numbers without thinking about quality.
“It’s not just about meeting your protein requirement, it’s about the source,” she said, raising concerns about modern farming practices and heavily processed protein options.
While animal protein is often absorbed more efficiently, she noted that some plant-based protein sources can be cleaner depending on how they are produced.
She also questioned soy protein, saying it may not be the best option when it comes from heavily industrialized sources.
Dashti added that the stronger focus on protein could help address concerns like sarcopenia, the gradual loss of muscle mass as people age, which was often ignored in older dietary guidance.
Fruit, sugar, and smarter combinations
The revised pyramid reduces fruit portions, and Dr Al-Salem explained why.
Fruit contains natural sugar, so people, especially those watching their blood sugar, should eat it mindfully.
Her tip: don’t eat fruit alone. Pair it with nuts or yogurt so the sugar absorbs more slowly and the snack keeps you full longer.
She said this combination supports gut health, improves satisfaction after eating, and reduces cravings later in the day.
A message for parents: cut the junk, not the joy
Both Kuwaiti experts said one of the most valuable parts of the updated pyramid is what it signals for children’s diets.
Dr Al-Salem highlighted the common problem of school lunchboxes filled with croissants, cupcakes, and biscuits.
“That’s zero nutritional value,” she said. “It doesn’t help the brain, and it harms the body.”
The updated guidance discourages added sugar for young children up to age four, encouraging kids to develop healthier taste preferences early.
Dr Al-Salem also warned parents against relying on supplements or protein shakes for children, saying most kids do not need them when they are eating real food at home.
Instead, she encouraged families to reduce refined carbohydrates, not completely eliminate them, and focus more on whole grains, vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats.
The takeaway: your body, your balance
Kuwaiti nutritionists say the new food pyramid may be useful, but it should not replace personal judgment or medical advice.
The most important lesson remains simple: choose real food, cook smarter, avoid excess processed sugar, and build meals that match your lifestyle.
As Dr Al-Salem summed it up, you don’t have to follow extremes to be healthy; make choices that work for you.
