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Beans and lentils might be playing a starring role in newly proposed changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. If adopted, the new guidelines would emphasize such plant-based proteins and also encourage people to eat more whole grains (to make up 50% of all grains eaten) and less sugary drinks, salt, and all processed foods. “Compelling evidence was noted in the systematic reviews in which dietary patterns that had higher levels of beans, peas and lentils [often presented in the literature as “legumes”] were associated with beneficial health outcomes,” the scientific report released by an advisory committee stated. The guidelines will stress these protein sources and deemphasize the intake of red and processed meats. Under the existing dietary guidelines, the trio of vegetables are categorized as both vegetables and protein foods, but the committee recommended removing them from the vegetable group and placing them at the top of the list of protein foods with the hopes of encouraging people to eat more plant-based protein. As of writing, the report has been submitted to the Agriculture Department and the Department of Health and Human Services for review and a 60-day public comment period is underway. If enacted, the guidelines would take effect sometime in 2025 and last until 2030.

Do you agree with the recommendation to eat more plant-based proteins and less red meat? Do you have any concerns with suggesting this dietary shift? Have you already been eating more plant-based proteins like legumes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.