Robert F. Kennedy on obesity in the United States with a new cooking show

Robert F. Kennedy has launched a new cooking show as part of his ministry’s initiative to promote healthier eating habits among Americans. The first episode of the series, which is part of the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) campaign, was released on Thursday via the health ministry's online channels. In the episode, Kennedy demonstrates how to prepare salmon patties and a salad made with kale, apples, and white beans, alongside television chef Andrew Gruel. Future episodes, set to air on YouTube, will feature guest appearances from renowned chef Robert Irvine. The Ministry of Health explains that the show aims to bring the government’s new dietary guidelines closer to the public through simple and affordable recipes that can be prepared at home. Each recipe is designed to cost no more than five dollars (approximately four euros) per serving. “When we released the dietary guidelines, many claimed that healthy food is significantly more expensive than highly processed foods. That simply isn’t true,” Kennedy told USA Today. According to him, people can cook cheaper and better meals at home compared to fast-food restaurants, yet many Americans have forgotten how to cook. Cooking has been described by Kennedy as almost a sacred ritual, one that contributes not only to improved nutrition but also strengthens family bonds and reduces loneliness. “In the United States, we are facing an epidemic of loneliness. Cooking and shared meals can reconnect people,” he added. Kennedy is well known for promoting a diet based primarily on meat and fermented foods. As a result, the new show will frequently incorporate ingredients such as fermented vegetables, kimchi, and yogurt. The newly proposed dietary guidelines from the U.S. government recommend including protein at each meal, full-fat dairy products, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and less highly processed foods. During an interview with USA Today, Kennedy also revealed that some members of President Donald Trump’s administration have adopted his dietary approach. Among them are Vice President JD Vance, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. According to Kennedy, all of them have lost weight as a result, leading to jokes about him being the “weight-loss expert” within Trump’s cabinet. Fermented foods are those that undergo a process called fermentation, during which microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast naturally convert carbohydrates into alcohol or organic acids. This process not only extends the shelf life of food but also enhances its nutritional value and improves digestion. Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, live bacteria that support gut microbiota, strengthen the immune system, and improve nutrient absorption from food. Highly processed foods refer to industrially manufactured items that often contain long ingredient lists, including added sugars, unhealthy fats, salt, preservatives, artificial colors, and flavor enhancers. Such foods are typically engineered to be very flavorful but tend to be low in natural nutrients, vitamins, and fiber. Due to their high calorie content and low nutrient density, these types of diets are often linked to obesity and other chronic health issues, as they fail to provide the body with sustained feelings of satiety.