The Texas Nutrition Advisory Committee has published the state’s first set of nutritional guidelines, offering Texans six plain-language recommendations for building healthier meals. The Texas Department of State Health Services announced the release in a Sept. 9 news release, describing the guidelines as the first created by Texans for Texans.
The guidelines anchor the committee’s inaugural report, which follows its creation last year to review scientific findings on nutrition and ultraprocessed foods and to recommend ways Texans can improve their health through what they eat, according to the agency.
“These new nutritional guidelines translate the science into practical steps Texans can use to support their health and well-being,” said TNAC Chair Jaclyn Albin, MD, in the release. “At the same time, we recognize that healthy eating has to work in the real world. It isn’t about perfection. Starting with one or two realistic changes and building from there can make healthy eating more achievable and sustainable for Texans and their families.”
The six recommendations urge Texans to fill half of every plate with a variety of colorful vegetables and fruit, to eat three or more servings of healthy proteins each day from sources such as beans, seafood, meats, eggs and nuts, and to include healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, fatty fish, olive oil and avocados. The committee also advises eating foods that support bone and dental health, choosing whole grains over more heavily processed options, and drinking water when thirsty while reducing or avoiding sugar-sweetened beverages, alcohol, sweeteners and artificial creamers.
The committee was created by Senate Bill 25 of the 2025 Texas Legislature, with members appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott, according to the release. The same law expands physical education in elementary and middle school, enhances nutrition education at all levels and requires food manufacturers to label foods that contain certain ingredients.
Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, the bill’s author, said in the release that the U.S. health care system spends $4.5 trillion annually, with 90% of that money directed toward chronic and mental health conditions. “These new guidelines from TNAC are key to improving food and nutrition literacy in Texas and addressing the root causes of chronic health issues,” Kolkhorst said. “When people understand what strengthens their health, they are empowered to make better choices for themselves and their families.”
Rep. Lacey Hull, who sponsored the measure, said she was proud to sponsor the bill and called the inaugural report a step toward updating nutrition curricula for Texans at all educational levels.
The committee’s work does not end with the report, the agency said. TNAC will continue to review new research and update its recommendations annually as new data becomes available, and details on the guidelines and on opportunities to participate are posted on the committee’s page on the DSHS website.