#441 Luke Hanna - The New Food Pyramid: What’s Right, What’s Wrong, and Why People Won’t Follow It Anyway

#441 Luke Hanna - The New Food Pyramid: What’s Right, What’s Wrong, and Why People Won’t Follow It Anyway

Author: Andrew Coates February 10, 2026 Duration: 52:03

Luke Hanna holds a Master’s degree in Obesity and Clinical Nutrition and a degree in Sport and Exercise Science. He has become one of my favourite authorities on evidence-based nutrition.


Luke joins the podcast to break down the controversy surrounding the new American food pyramid - what it gets right, where it falls short, and why most people won’t follow it regardless.


THIS EPISODE COVERS:


The attention and controversy surrounding the new American food pyramid


What the updated pyramid gets wrong


What it gets right


Inconsistencies in the pyramid and media messaging


Whether the new pyramid has been misrepresented compared to the old one


Whether people actually follow official governmental food guides


Why Luke shifted his beliefs on saturated fat and LDL cholesterol — and what the evidence actually says


Whether strength training or cardio meaningfully increase appetite and lead to “eating back” burned calories


Common narratives around not needing fibre


The benefits of eating more fibre


Why restricting calories earlier in the day before a special occasion can sometimes backfire


And much more


Instagram: @lukehannanutrition


CHAPTERS


00:38 Discussion on the New Food Pyramid

03:03 Critique of the Guidelines

04:49 Misrepresentation and Public Perception

13:00 Alcohol Guidelines and Corporate Influence

16:49 Practical Advice for Following Guidelines

21:12 Policy Changes for Better Health

23:32 Personal Reflections on Nutrition Beliefs

27:50 Introduction to the Keto CTA Study

28:40 Misrepresentation of Study Data

29:16 The Importance of Context in Nutrition

35:44 Exercise and Appetite: Myths and Facts

41:53 Calorie Banking: Does It Work?

45:56 The Benefits of Fibre

50:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


SUPPORT THE SHOW


If this episode helped you think more clearly about nutrition guidelines and media messaging, you can support the show by:


Subscribing and checking out more episodes


Sharing it on social media (tag me — I will respond)


Sending it to someone confused about dietary guidelines


FOLLOW ANDREW COATES


Instagram: @andrewcoatesfitness

https://www.andrewcoatesfitness.com


PARTNERS AND RESOURCES


RP Strength App (use code COATESRP)

https://www.rpstrength.com/coates


Just Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10 percent off)

https://justbitememeals.com/


MacrosFirst – FREE Premium Trial

Download MacrosFirst

During setup, answer: How did you hear about us?

Type: ANDREW


KNKG Bags (15 percent off)

https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676


Versa Gripps (discount link)

https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoates


TRAINHEROIC – FREE 90 Day Trial (2 steps)

Go to: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfree


Reply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com

) and let them know Andrew sent you


Andrew Coates hosts Lift Free And Diet Hard, a conversation grounded in the belief that strength and wellness are built on more than just routines. This podcast moves beyond quick fixes to examine the principles and personal stories that shape a sustainable, intentional life. You’ll hear from a variety of inspiring guests who share not only their expertise but also the real-world challenges and triumphs they’ve faced. The discussions naturally weave together the science of fitness with the practicalities of daily choices, offering a nuanced look at what it means to truly care for your physical and mental health. Each episode is designed to provide actionable insights you can use to navigate your own path, fostering resilience and confidence whether you're in the gym or the kitchen. By focusing on informed decision-making over dogma, the Lift Free And Diet Hard podcast becomes a resource for anyone looking to cut through the noise of wellness culture. Andrew facilitates these explorations with a focus on empowerment, ensuring every conversation adds a layer of understanding to the complex journey of building a strong, healthy life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Lift Free And Diet Hard with Andrew Coates
Podcast Episodes
#474 Dr Mike Banna - Why Are Fitness Influencers Scared of GLP-1 Drugs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:47
Dr Mike Banna is a physician in the UK health care system and passionate health educator.Mike guests to share his experience with:What’s going on with “pro” and “anti” GLP-1 medication people and tribesWhy fitness influe…
#473 Dr Dwayne Jackson - Reclassifying PCOS to PMOS, What This Means [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:52
Dr Dwayne Jackson returns to break down the implications of the reclassification of PCOS to PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome).Including:What the reclassification meansWhy it’s important and helpful for outc…
#468 Krista Scott-Dixon - Hunger, Behavior Change, and Identity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:18
Krista Scott-Dixon returns to share details about her new book — Applied Nutrition Coaching and Counseling: Theory to Practice — and her expertise about:In our modern world, can we trust our hunger signalsWhy Krista beli…
#466 Erica Mulholland - Managing Injuries In Female Youth Sports [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:36
Erica Mulholland is a strength coach who specializes in young female athletes and the author of Female Athlete High Performance.Erica joins me to share her expertise on:Are injury rates higher in young female athletesWha…