THE NEW FOOD PYRAMID EXPLAINED

CULINARY CONFIDENTIAL: RETHINKING THE AMERICAN PLATE

Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 9 PM (Eastern) on AM970 Radio

Each week on Culinary Confidential, Christina Cates—a seasoned hospitality professional who has spent more than two decades in some of New York City’s most iconic dining rooms—dives into the evolving world of food, culture, and the people shaping how we eat. Airing Sunday nights at 9 PM on AM 970 The Answer, with episodes also available across major podcast platforms, the show blends industry insight with accessible, real‑world conversations.

This week, we turn our attention to one of the most consequential shifts in American nutrition in years. As new federal dietary guidelines spark national debate, we explore what these changes mean for home cooks, restaurant professionals, and anyone trying to make sense of modern eating.

FEATURED GUEST

DR. IAN K. SMITH — Physician, Author, Health Communicator

Dr. Ian K. Smith, MD—Harvard-, Columbia-, and University of Chicago–trained physician; New York Times bestselling author; host of HealthWatch with Dr. Ian Smith; and former member of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition—joins Christina for a clear-eyed, practical breakdown of the newly released 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

With Health Secretary RFK Jr. backing a dramatic reordering of the nation’s nutritional priorities, Dr. Smith walks listeners through what’s actually changing. From the elevation of protein and healthy fats (including red meat and full‑fat dairy) to the renewed scrutiny on ultra‑processed foods and added sugars, he explains how the new inverted food pyramid challenges decades of conventional wisdom.

Dr. Smith also discusses the cultural, culinary, and scientific implications of this shift—and what it means for the way Americans shop, cook, and nourish themselves.

ALSO FEATURED: A NEW APPROACH TO WEIGHT LOSS

Dr. Smith’s latest book -- THE LAST 15: Say Goodbye to Those Most Stubborn Pounds -- offers a science‑driven, seven‑week program designed to help readers break through weight‑loss plateaus without gimmicks or deprivation. He shares the research behind the plan, the psychology of “stubborn pounds,” and the practical strategies that make sustainable change possible.

ABOUT THE HOST

Culinary Confidential is hosted by Christina Cates, a hospitality professional with more than 20 years of experience in New York City’s restaurant industry. A graduate of The Art Institute of New York City’s Restaurant Management program, she has served as Assistant Restaurant Director at Tavern on the Green and as General Manager at both The Palm Restaurant and Almond Tribeca.

Christina brings a thoughtful, informed, and deeply human perspective to every conversation—bridging the worlds of culinary craft, nutrition science, and everyday cooking.

WHY LISTEN

Whether you’re navigating the new dietary guidelines, curious about the science behind modern nutrition, or simply trying to make smarter choices in your own kitchen, this episode offers clarity, context, and actionable insight.

Listeners will gain:

• A grounded understanding of what the new guidelines actually recommend
• A look at how shifting national policy influences food culture and home cooking
• Practical, realistic advice from one of the country’s most trusted health experts
• A deeper appreciation for how nutrition science continues to evolve

This is an essential conversation for anyone invested in health, hospitality, or the future of the American plate.

TUNE IN

Culinary Confidential
Sunday, January 25, at 9 PM (Eastern)
AM970: The Answer and the AM970 mobile app

More info: https://culinaryconfidentialchristina.com/

Episodes are available on all major podcast platforms—including Amazon, Apple, iHeart, and Spotify—for on‑demand listening.

Culinary Confidential: decoding the new nutrition landscape, one conversation at a time.

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You can also stream a replay here:

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