01/09/2026
I strongly disagree with the new food pyramid released to us by the new Health Administration:
It fails to align with historical and anthropological evidence. When we examine ancient and long-living societies across history, their dietary patterns do not support high consumption of animal products. In fact, animal foods were typically consumed sparingly, not as daily dietary staples.
This distinction is even more critical today, given how modern animals are raised, processed, and chemically altered compared to historical standards. High intake of modern meat—especially processed and industrially produced animal products—has been consistently associated with increased rates of cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and other chronic, life-threatening illnesses.
Populations known for exceptional longevity consistently consumed diets centered on whole plant foods, with minimal animal products, often used only occasionally or ceremonially—not in excess.
Ancient & Traditional Long-Living Societies by Region
Okinawa
East Asia — Sweet potatoes, vegetables, sea plants, legumes; animal foods rare
Ikaria
Aegean / Mediterranean — Wild greens, beans, olive oil, herbs; minimal meat
Sardinia
Western Mediterranean — Whole grains, legumes, vegetables; limited animal intake
Nicoya Peninsula
Central America — Beans, corn, squash, fruit; very low animal consumption
Ancient Egypt
North Africa — Emmer wheat, barley, lentils, onions, figs; meat reserved for elites/feasts
Ancient Greece
Southern Europe — Barley, olives, legumes, vegetables; meat infrequent
Ancient Rome
Mediterranean Europe — Pulses, grains, vegetables; meat uncommon for the general population
Ancient China
East Asia — Rice, millet, vegetables, soy foods; meat limited and seasonal
Ancient India
South Asia — Lentils, grains, vegetables, spices; predominantly plant-based traditions
Ancient Mesopotamia
Middle East — Barley, legumes, vegetables, dates; meat scarce and ceremonial
Key Historical Pattern
Across ancient civilizations and long-living regions, animal foods were supplemental—not dominant. Diets emphasized:
Whole grains
Legumes
Vegetables & fruits
Herbs, seeds, and natural fats
This historical consistency directly challenges this new health administration’s food pyramid that promote high daily animal protein intake.
— Clinical Nutritionist Cheryl L. Jones, MSCN, 1 & 2 This is For You 3 & 4 Eat Healthy Live More Ministries!
