Inside the federal nutrition guidelines UI expert says to remember the guidelines are not tailored to one person. By Dave Dahl January 26, 2026 5:25 am ShutterstockAn expert says it’s best to eat a variety of foods. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – An emphasis on dairy and protein headline the new federal nutrition guidelines. Sharon Donovan, a nutritional sciences professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, says a big piece of her advice is to eat a variety of foods. “Anytime anybody cuts out a food group – whether it be meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables – you’re going to miss out on some nutrients, because oranges are a great source of Vitamin C. Meat really doesn’t have any Vitamin C. Dairy doesn’t have any Vitamin C. Meat is a good source of iron and zinc and (Vitamin) B-12. You don’t find those in fruits and vegetables.” Donovan was on the committee which recommended the 2020 guidelines and says the current guidelines reflect not even 25 percent of the current committee’s recommendations. And before you tear up your family’s weekly menu, Donovan says to check with your doctor before making big changes to your diet, and remember the guidelines are for the general public as opposed to just one person. Dave Dahl Morning news anchor, WTAX Story © 2026 Saga Communications – Images © 2026 Shutterstock More in Health & Wellness New IL law requires annual report on prison hospice care Memorial Health: Donate blood and save lives HSHS St. John’s Hospital announces 2025 Colleague of the Year Editor’s Picks Winter Storm Warning to expire earlier, as cold weather takes hold again Teen killed, three others injured in Morgan County crash As Illinois House returns to Springfield, Democrats focus on Trump Trending Winter Storm Warning to expire earlier, as cold weather takes hold again Teen killed, three others injured in Morgan County crash Winter Storm Warning to expire earlier, as cold weather takes hold again Read More