About this episode
Ever wonder why misinformation spreads faster than evidence-based nutrition advice? We dive deep into this question with Jacob, a soon-to-be registered dietitian who's making waves on social media by countering nutrition nonsense with humor and facts. The conversation kicks off with a shared frustration about the supplement industry and how brand deals often promote products based on fear rather than science. One particularly clever tactic these marketers use? Telling people to "do the opposite of what the government says" – a strategy that plays on natural distrust while conveniently ignoring that most government nutrition guidelines (eating vegetables, getting exercise) are actually sensible advice most Americans aren't following anyway. We explore the fascinating case of the food pyramid – a nutritional guide that hasn't existed since 2011 yet continues to be criticized daily by nutrition influencers as proof of governmental incompetence. This outdated reference has become the perfect straw man for those looking to dismiss evidence-based recommendations while selling their own programs and supplements. The discussion takes an entertaining turn when Liam shares his experience creating "C-MEN" videos (Cheap Meals with Extra Nutrition), demonstrating how humor and strategic content creation can help legitimate nutrition experts compete in a landscape dominated by fear-mongering and oversimplification. We examine how dietitians, despite their extensive education, often struggle against influencers who aren't constrained by professional ethics or the need for evidence-based claims. Perhaps most valuable is the practical advice on identifying trustworthy nutrition information: Does the source acknowledge the limits of their knowledge? Are they making you more fearful of food or more confident in your choices? Is their content making your relationship with eating simpler or more complicated? Listen now to arm yourself against nutrition nonsense and discover why the most reliable nutrition experts might be the ones willing to say "I don't know" rather than having an answer for everything. Support the show You can find us on social media here: Rob Tiktok Rob Instagram Liam Tiktok Liam Instagram