RFK Jr.'s 'war on protein' claim is nothing more than a publicity stunt tied to his movement's emphasis on traditional masculinity.
The US Health Secretary's recent directive, part of the federal government's 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines, prioritizes protein at every meal - a recommendation that has been met with both praise and criticism from dietary experts and health organizations.
While some have welcomed the advice on ultra-processed foods and added sugars, others argue that certain aspects of the guidelines defy scientific consensus. The recommendation to consume saturated fats found in full-fat milk, butter, and beef tallow, for example, contradicts previous nutritional guidance.
So what's behind RFK Jr.'s sudden change of heart?
Experts point out that Kennedy's 'war on protein' is closely tied to his broader political movement, which has made body image, fitness, and masculinity central tenets. By emphasizing high-protein diets, the administration aims to tap into long-held cultural perceptions around food and gender.
These perceptions have traditionally associated men with meat, fire, cooking outdoors, while women are seen as more inclined towards lighter foods like vegetables, fruits, and salads.
In other words, Kennedy's rhetoric is designed to project an aspirational masculinity that values strength, physical attractiveness, and high agency - all qualities closely tied to traditional notions of masculinity.
While there's no war on protein per se, Kennedy's emphasis on animal proteins serves a similar purpose: to tie dietary choices to a broader vision of American identity.
The US Health Secretary's recent directive, part of the federal government's 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines, prioritizes protein at every meal - a recommendation that has been met with both praise and criticism from dietary experts and health organizations.
While some have welcomed the advice on ultra-processed foods and added sugars, others argue that certain aspects of the guidelines defy scientific consensus. The recommendation to consume saturated fats found in full-fat milk, butter, and beef tallow, for example, contradicts previous nutritional guidance.
So what's behind RFK Jr.'s sudden change of heart?
Experts point out that Kennedy's 'war on protein' is closely tied to his broader political movement, which has made body image, fitness, and masculinity central tenets. By emphasizing high-protein diets, the administration aims to tap into long-held cultural perceptions around food and gender.
These perceptions have traditionally associated men with meat, fire, cooking outdoors, while women are seen as more inclined towards lighter foods like vegetables, fruits, and salads.
In other words, Kennedy's rhetoric is designed to project an aspirational masculinity that values strength, physical attractiveness, and high agency - all qualities closely tied to traditional notions of masculinity.
While there's no war on protein per se, Kennedy's emphasis on animal proteins serves a similar purpose: to tie dietary choices to a broader vision of American identity.
because if so, why are we being told to eat it at every meal? doesn't make sense to me. and what's with the whole "war on protein" thing? sounds like some kinda marketing ploy to me... i mean, i get the idea that processed foods and added sugars are bad for us, but do we really need to be told to eat more protein too? 
. I mean, what about people who are vegan or don't eat meat for health reasons? Its like he's trying to make a whole diet plan based on how macho you're supposed to be. And honestly, its kind of gross that the government is backing this up with some super broad guidelines 
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It's like, they're not even thinking about how much protein they're consuming. But for real, it's interesting that his 'war on protein' is tied to this broader movement about body image and masculinity... I think it's possible that he's trying to spark a conversation about how we relate food to our identities as men (or women). 
My grandma used to cook these huge roasts on Sundays, and everyone loved 'em. But I guess that's not exactly in line with this high-protein, macho nonsense...
anyway, i checked out this article on the guidelines and apparently, they're saying we should eat protein at every meal? 
what's wrong with having a balanced diet that includes carbs, veggies, and lean proteins tho? not sure if i trust this "war on protein" hype... just more of an excuse to sell more meat products 
[link to article](https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2025-02-10/rfk-junior-protein-wars-nutrition-guidelines)
but tbh his whole thing just feels super calculated to me... and can we pls talk about how ridiculous it is that he's trying to tie protein intake to traditional masculinity? like, come on ronald, you're a lawyer not a dietitian 
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. Anyway, I'm all for keeping it real about food and health, but not when it's gotta fit into some dude's weird vision of American identity 
And what's with the emphasis on animal proteins? Isn't that just perpetuating old-fashioned masculine ideals? I want some concrete evidence before I start buying into this whole 'protein is key' narrative 
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, I'm so over this 'war on protein' nonsense... Like what even is the deal with this? They're just trying to sell us all protein shakes and meatloaf 
️, meanwhile our planet's literally burning and we're worried about getting enough protein? 
Not cool, not at all 