#125 - EXPERT: The Great Nutrition Reset - Unlocking the New Real Food Pyramid

About this episode

Eric Hörst and Jonathan Hörst discuss the updated U.S. dietary guidelines and the new food pyramid emphasizing nutrient density and whole foods.

In this episode, Eric Hörst and nutrition science graduate student Jonathan Hörst discuss the newly updated U.S. dietary guidance and the concept of a "flipped" or re-prioritized food pyramid that emphasizes nutrient density, whole foods, and protein—rather than carbohydrate-heavy intake patterns of past guidelines. Drawing from current nutrition science and academic discussion at the University of Utah, they explore both the strengths of the update and the practical challenges of applying it. Key takeaways for climbers and athletes include prioritizing adequate protein, limiting ultra-processed foods, choosing whole-food carbohydrate sources, and matching carbohydrate intake to activity level. The episode concludes by emphasizing individualized nutrition, performance context, and consistency over perfection. Jonathan also provides some breakfast and dinner tips for climbers looking to optimize energy availability, performance, and recovery. RUNDOWN 0:30 - Intro to New Food Pyramid 1:00 - About today's expert, Jonathan Hörst, from Department of Nutritional Science at the University of Utah. 2:20 - Seismic changes to the USDA food guideline for Americans 6:00 - Guidelines catching…

People in this episode

Host: Eric Hörst

Guest: Jonathan Hörst

Topics covered

• nutrition
• food pyramid
• dietary guidelines
• climbing
• athletic performance
• whole foods

Keywords

• nutrition
• food pyramid
• protein
• carbohydrates
• dietary guidelines
• climbers
• athletes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Utah, USDA

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