The release of the updated U.S. food pyramid has sparked plenty of conversation in the health and wellness space. Compared to earlier versions, this model makes meaningful progress: it discourages ultra-processed foods, limits added sugars, and emphasizes protein quality and whole ingredients.
That’s an upgrade we can appreciate. But there’s one place where we respectfully diverge.
At Purée, we believe plant-based foods should sit at the very top of any food pyramid - as the foundation.
Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."Michael Pollan"
A truly balanced plate starts with plants at the center. Think colorful vegetables making up the majority of the meal - leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, roots, legumes, herbs, and seasonal produce; providing fiber, phytonutrients, and micronutrients that support gut health, blood sugar balance, and long-term metabolic resilience. Alongside those plants, include a moderate portion of high-quality protein, whether plant-based (beans, lentils, nuts, seeds) or thoughtfully sourced animal protein such as pasture-raised eggs, wild fish, or grass-fed meats. Healthy fats from olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds help with nutrient absorption and satiety, while refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods remain minimal. When plants lead and quality matters, the plate naturally finds balance.
The new U.S. Dietary Guidelines also place unprecedented emphasis on gut health and the microbiome - the trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms that live in our digestive tract and play a central role in digestion, immunity, inflammation, and even mood. According to the official guidelines, eating a variety of vegetables, fruits, high-fiber foods, and fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and miso can help support a diverse and healthy microbiome, while highly processed foods can disrupt that balance. This represents a meaningful recognition that food choices don’t just provide calories; they actively shape the ecosystem inside us that influences long-term health and resilience.
This philosophy guides everything we make at Purée - from our cold-pressed juices to our functional smoothies and purposeful prepared foods. Because when you anchor your diet in real, living foods, you give your body what it needs to function - naturally, sustainably, and consistently.
