This week on Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates welcomes back Dr. Ian K. Smith - physician, bestselling author, and a trusted voice in health and nutrition - for a clear and grounded look at one of the biggest shifts in American dietary policy in years.

With the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the traditional food pyramid has now been inverted, prioritizing protein and healthy fats while placing stronger limits on ultra-processed foods and added sugars. 

Dr. Smith breaks down what these changes mean for everyday eating, how they align with current science, and why this new pyramid challenges decades of conventional wisdom. Christina and Dr. Smith explore how these guidelines may influence home cooking, menu development, and the broader nutrition culture, while offering a practical and accessible way to navigate through the noise.

They also discuss Dr. Smith’s latest book, The Last 15: Say Goodbye to Those Most Stubborn Pounds, a science-based, seven-week program designed to help readers overcome weight loss plateaus without gimmicks or deprivation. He shares the research behind the plan, the psychology of stubborn pounds, and the real-world strategies that make sustainable change possible.

If you’re trying to make sense of the new nutrition guidelines, curious about the future of American nutrition, or looking for smarter ways to cook, this week’s episode delivers clarity and context without the extra confusion.