In the midst of the dazzling trends in modern diets that have left many Americans feeling fatigued and unhealthy, a movement advocating for a return to traditional eating habits is sweeping across the United States. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently shared his ultimate dietary experience, stating that by reverting to consuming whole, unprocessed foods, he managed to lose 20 pounds in just 20 days while experiencing enhanced mental clarity.
This transformation is not just a personal physical challenge for Kennedy, but also a reflection of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement that he advocates for.
At 72 years old, Kennedy revealed in a podcast interview with “USA Today” on January 24th that he is following a Carnivore diet, which excludes processed foods and focuses solely on meat, dairy, and eggs consumption.
“I have lost 40% of my visceral fat in just one month,” Kennedy said, emphasizing his extreme dedication to whole foods, even going as far as having steak with fermented vegetables for breakfast.
His wife, actress Cheryl Hines, disclosed to “The Cut” magazine that Kennedy carries sauerkraut with him wherever he goes, making sure to pack it in her designer bag when dining out just to ensure he gets a natural source of probiotics with every meal.
While Kennedy’s dietary approach may seem radical, the core concept of making America healthy again – staying away from ultra-processed foods – is spreading among the American public in a more nostalgic and heartwarming way, in what is termed “nonna-stalgia.”
Driven by the pressures of inflation and health consciousness, traditional dishes that are simple to make, affordable, and carry the warmth and love of family are making a comeback at the dinner tables across America. Just like Kennedy’s philosophy of consuming whole foods, five popular “grandmother dishes” reflect the same health wisdom.
For instance, chicken noodle soup and pea soup with homemade dumplings ditch the chemical bouillon, opting for natural nutrition derived from whole chicken and ham bones, embodying the benchmark of returning to traditional nourishment.
Similarly, homemade Italian meat sauce pasta substitutes the store-bought versions laden with high fructose corn syrup with a simple blend of tomatoes and meat, cutting off the source of chemical additives directly.
Despite the significant results seen in Kennedy’s personal endeavor, medical experts caution the public to remain cautious. Dr. Mia Kazanjian, a physician from Connecticut, highlighted in an interview with “Fox News” that a diet completely devoid of fruits and vegetables poses risks of nutrient deficiency. In response, Kennedy demonstrates a cautious policy stance.
He emphasizes that what influences government public policy is “evidence-based science,” not his personal views. The updated federal dietary guidelines have relaxed restrictions on saturated fats and shifted towards high-protein and whole foods, undoubtedly giving a policy endorsement for the revival of “grandmother-level” traditional diets.