US Health Secretary RFK Jr. recently announced that he's "ending the war on protein" - a move that seems to be more about optics than actual policy change. The claim is part of the federal government's 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines, which prioritize protein at every meal.
Critics argue that this new emphasis on animal proteins reflects the broader MAGA movement's fixation on traditional masculinity and body image. This notion isn't entirely unfounded, as RFK Jr.'s own fitness challenges and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's military fitness standards have been used to push for a more muscular America.
Despite the lack of scientific consensus around saturated fats, protein-rich diets are hardly new. High-protein diets like Jordan Peterson's "carnivore" diet or Brian Johnson's all-meat regimen have gained popularity online, with food and beverage companies capitalizing on this trend by marketing high-protein products.
Experts argue that Americans already consume more than enough protein, but the emphasis on animal proteins serves to tie in a form of aspirational masculinity tied to body image and fitness. This phenomenon is not new; long-standing associations between men and meat have been used to sell food and beverages.
While there isn't an actual "war on protein," acting like one can be seen as a way for the administration to appear tough and cool. In this case, promoting raw steak may be their attempt at projecting masculinity.
Critics argue that this new emphasis on animal proteins reflects the broader MAGA movement's fixation on traditional masculinity and body image. This notion isn't entirely unfounded, as RFK Jr.'s own fitness challenges and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's military fitness standards have been used to push for a more muscular America.
Despite the lack of scientific consensus around saturated fats, protein-rich diets are hardly new. High-protein diets like Jordan Peterson's "carnivore" diet or Brian Johnson's all-meat regimen have gained popularity online, with food and beverage companies capitalizing on this trend by marketing high-protein products.
Experts argue that Americans already consume more than enough protein, but the emphasis on animal proteins serves to tie in a form of aspirational masculinity tied to body image and fitness. This phenomenon is not new; long-standing associations between men and meat have been used to sell food and beverages.
While there isn't an actual "war on protein," acting like one can be seen as a way for the administration to appear tough and cool. In this case, promoting raw steak may be their attempt at projecting masculinity.
, think about it, just because we consume more meat doesn't mean it's healthy... 
Interesting how marketing can tie in with our societal expectations of traditional masculinity 
. I'd love to see some actual research or data backing up this claim before I start chomping down on more burgers. Plus, isn't saturated fats still a thing we're trying to avoid? Not buying it 
.
️ But is it really necessary? Can't we just stick to balanced eating and leave the protein at every meal for good reason, like being nutrient-dense or filling? 
Adding the US Health Secretary's endorsement only serves to amplify this narrative, rather than providing any concrete scientific evidence to support the claim.
By framing protein as a vital component of every meal, the administration is tapping into existing societal norms around traditional masculine ideals. While this might appeal to some, it's also perpetuating a narrow and potentially unhealthy view of what constitutes a healthy diet. 
! Like, what's next? Are they gonna say we gotta eat a whole cow for breakfast just because RFK Jr said so 
? This "ending the war on protein" is just another way for the admin to seem like they're in control and stuff. Newsflash: it's not about science, it's about image 
. We all know saturated fats aren't the big bad guys... but hey, let's make America lean and mean again with a side of steak 
! And honestly, who doesn't love a good excuse to buy more protein powder? 
. plus, isn't there already enough propaganda around food and fitness? can't we just focus on actual health advice rather than trying to sell products or project a certain image? 
. I mean, don't get me wrong, who doesn't love a good steak every now and then? 
. #NotMyDietGuidelines #ProteinOverload #FoodForThought
. And let's be real, a diet of just steak is not exactly balanced... 
still, I guess it's a conversation starter or whatever 
. Can't they just promote balanced eating and whole foods instead? 
. But at the same time, I get why some people might see this as a way for the admin to seem cool and in touch with the times... like, who doesn't love a good steak every now and then? 
. I think this whole thing is just about trying to sell more meat products and tie in with the whole "traditional masculinity" vibe 
.
just read that the US is prioritizing animal proteins in the new dietary guidelines... because who doesn't want to live off meat alone? 
. We've seen similar tactics used in the past, like the military's influence on food marketing and policies 
. So, while I'm not entirely opposed to the idea of promoting healthy eating habits, I think we need a more nuanced discussion about the motivations behind this policy change 
.
?
.
. That's just not what healthy eating is all about