In this episode, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon sits down with Dr. Donald Layman, one of the world’s leading protein researchers and a key contributor to the newly released U.S. Dietary Guidelines. They explore why the old food pyramid failed, how nutrition science became driven by ideology instead of evidence, and what the updated guidelines finally get right about protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Dr. Layman explains why the long-standing protein recommendation of 0.8 g/kg was never intended for optimal health and how higher protein intake supports body composition, metabolic health, and nutrient adequacy. The conversation also dives into controversial topics including saturated fat, carbohydrate tolerance, animal versus plant protein, and the limitations of epidemiology in nutrition research. Gabrielle and Dr. Layman discuss how dietary guidelines shape school lunches, hospitals, and public institutions, and why a protein-first framework empowers individuals to make better nutrition decisions, especially as we age. This episode offers a clear, science-backed roadmap for understanding modern nutrition — cutting through misinformation and outdated dogma to focus on strength, longevity, and real-world application.
