The Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee published the state's first set of nutrition guidelines designed by Texans for Texans. The committee was created last year by legislation signed in 2025 and tasked with reviewing scientific findings on nutrition and ultraprocessed foods to recommend ways Texans can improve their health.
The guidelines recommend filling half of every meal with vegetables and fruit, eating three or more servings of protein daily from sources including beans, seafood, eggs, and nuts, including healthy fats daily from nuts, seeds, fish, and avocados, and eating foods with nutrients for bone health such as calcium and vitamin D, which can come from dairy or non-dairy sources like fatty fish and green vegetables. The guidelines also advise choosing whole grains over processed ones and drinking water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages and alcohol.
"These new nutritional guidelines translate the science into practical steps Texans can use to support their health and well-being... Starting with one or two realistic changes and building from there can make healthy eating more achievable and sustainable for Texans and their families," said TNAC Chair Jaclyn Albin, MD.
The legislation that created the committee also expands physical education in elementary and middle schools, enhances nutrition education at all education levels, and requires food manufacturers to label products containing certain ingredients. The committee, with members appointed by Governor Greg Abbott, plans to review new research and update its recommendations annually.