In light of all the talk surrounding Trump-era tariffs and a renewed focus on "America First" policies, you might be wondering how you can apply that mindset to your everyday life – starting with what's on your plate.
Introducing the "America First" diet, a new trend that focuses on eating only food this country produces domestically.
If you want to put your country first with your diet, it's not just about politics but about embracing the flavors and foods that are uniquely American.
From beloved comfort dishes to locally sourced ingredients, an "America First" diet honors the foods that define the nation, championing local agriculture and reflecting the culinary traditions that have shaped American culture for generations.
If you've ever indulged in a juicy hamburger, a plate of BBQ ribs or a slice of warm apple pie, you've tasted the essence of what could be considered an "America First" diet. While it doesn't have a strict definition, certain key themes are unmistakably present.
• Traditional American Foods -- Think hamburgers, hot dogs, fried chicken and mashed potatoes – these are the foods that have become synonymous with American culture. Regional specialties like clam chowder from New England, chili from Texas or BBQ from the South add diversity to this list.
• Locally Sourced Ingredients -- From beef to dairy products, corn and potatoes, the focus is on supporting local agriculture and industries. The idea is to prioritize ingredients that are homegrown and produced by American farmers, keeping the economy strong and reducing reliance on imported foods.
• Comfort Foods -- Many traditional American dishes are designed to be indulgent, hearty and satisfying, like macaroni and cheese, casseroles, and steak and potatoes. More than just meals, these foods evoke a sense of nostalgia, warmth and familiarity.
And now, a cautionary note: While it may seem like an appealing concept, an "America First" diet could actually be quite challenging to implement in practice. While the U.S. produces enough food to feed itself, much of the food we eat is not produced here. Consider avocados, for example – only about 10% of the avocados sold in the U.S. are grown domestically.
"Eating America First would restrict the variety that shoppers have come to expect; eating fresh blueberries year-round would be impossible. Barring the overhaul of all U.S. agriculture, it would mean a less healthy diet, too," Yasmin Tayag wrote for The Atlantic.
An "America First" diet would lead to fewer choices and higher prices, too, Tayag wrote. She added that "the notion of an America First food supply — harvesting homegrown produce, eating seasonally, supporting farmers — does align with the idea of returning to a pastoral era... But it just doesn't align with the reality of how Americans currently eat."
America has become a net importer of food, Tayag emphasized. To illustrate her point, she noted that even "that most American of meals," a McDonald's hamburger with fries, is made with sesame seeds from Mexico and canola oil from Canada.
"The notion that the country could produce all of its food domestically is nice — even admirable," she wrote. "But that is not how most people eat now... Every time we go to the grocery store, we choose from a marvelous variety of foods from around the world."