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Not Another Nutrition Podcast

Not Another Nutrition Podcast

Martin MacDonald

Health & Fitness

Welcome to Not Another Nutrition Podcast! This is not just another nutrition and fitness podcast; I will be discussing a wide variety of topics including business, careers, parenting and self-improvement, alongside plenty of discussion on a range of nutrition topics! I try to communicate in such a way that is easy for anyone to understand, and with more of a 'coffee shop chat' vibe than a lecture so don't expect it to be academic fact after fact!! You can also reach out to me on social media via @MartinNutrition and I keep most of my important links here: www.Martin-MacDonald.com/links

Episodes

The 2026 Seed Oil & Inflammation Study Has Been Published! (Ep. 121)

The 2026 Seed Oil & Inflammation Study Has Been Published! (Ep. 121)

Seed oils, linoleic acid, inflammation and oxidized LDL are under fire online, so Martin breaks down a new randomised trial on soybean vs palm oil in real humans with overweight and obesity. Martin walks through a brand new crossover study testing foods fortified with soybean oil versus palm oil, looking at inflammation, oxidized LDL and real-world seed oil intake. Martin explains how the data actually lands when you measure C-reactive protein, IL-6, LPS-binding protein and more in metabolically vulnerable adults.Martin also digs into arachidonic acid, feedback mechanisms, SCD1 activity and the overfeeding literature on polyunsaturated versus saturated fat and fat gain.Martin then tackles the drop in DHA, the Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio and what that actually means in a practical diet, using a simple “apple maths” analogy to show why adding Omega-3 is far more impactful than obsessively slashing Omega-6. References and links discussed can be found at ⁠ www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep121 TIMEPOINTS 00:00 - Intro and why seed oils blew up on social media 02:47 - The new soybean vs palm oil trial explained 04:27 - Study design, real foods and crossover design 10:25 - Inflammation markers, oxidised LDL and what changed 12:20 - Linoleic acid => Arachidonic acid 19:24 - Seed oils, obesity claims and SCD1 “fat forming” genes 21:50 - DHA, Omega-3:Omega-6 ratios and the apple maths 27:06 - Demonising foods vs balance and long-term evidence 29:20 - Martin’s closing thoughts on seed oil charlatans
31min•Mar 11, 2026
GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs vs Aggressive Dieting: Which is better? (Ep.120)

GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs vs Aggressive Dieting: Which is better? (Ep.120)

Still think GLP1 injections automatically beat dieting for fat loss? Here is the truth when you actually pit them head to head. In this episode, Martin breaks down a unique new study that directly compares three approaches in people with type 2 diabetes: Semaglutide (a GLP1), an aggressive diet protocol, and a combo of both. He talks through what an Aggressive Diet, when he talks about it, really is (and why it is not a crash diet), why liquid meal replacement protocols are actually the worst version of it, and how his own food-first AD Blueprint fixes those problems. You will hear what the study found on weight loss, fat loss, lean mass, side effects, adherence, diabetes remission and beta cell function. Martin tackles common misconceptions like “GLP1s are the easy way out,” “Aggressive Diets require extreme willpower,” & “Pills do not change habits!” and explains why both GLP1s and Aggressive Diets remove food noise in different ways. He also explores how an aggressive diet for the weight loss phase, followed by carefully dosed GLP1 use, might be a powerful long term maintenance strategy. There is plenty on protein intake, nausea, binge risk, genetics vs willpower, and why education alone will never solve obesity. Martin also shares how his Aggressive Diet Blueprint, Community Support and Weight Loss Maintenance tools compare in cost and outcomes to a typical 12 week GLP1 prescription. References for the studies discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep120 You can find out more about Martin’s Aggressive Diet Blueprint Christmas Sale here: https://study-nutrition.com/aggressive-diet-blueprint TIMEPOINTS 00:00 - Why compare GLP1s with aggressive diets 02:00 - Instagram reactions and what an aggressive diet actually is 03:30 - GLP1 conferences, binge eating disorder and clinical nuance 05:00 - Visceral anti GLP1 reactions, laziness myths and education limits 07:10 - Liquid aggressive diets vs food based protocols and food obsession 09:30 - How GLP1s really change calorie intake and under reporting issues 13:00 - Do aggressive diets need willpower or do they remove food noise 14:00 - Study design in type 2 diabetes and the three intervention groups 17:00 - 12 week results for weight loss, fat loss and why combo gives no extra benefit 19:00 - Muscle loss fears, nausea, and low protein on GLP1s 23:20 - Coaching people on GLP1s and building high protein aggressive diets 27:30 - Diabetes remission, beta cell function and a GLP1 plus aggressive diet maintenance idea 32:00 - Free education, eating disorders and long term GLP1 questions 36:30 - Adherence, cost comparison and why most people misjudge aggressive diets 40:30 - Future episodes, menopause myths and closing thoughts Martin’s Aggressive Diet Blueprint Christmas Sale here: https://study-nutrition.com/aggressive-diet-blueprint
44min•Dec 11, 2025
#119 - How to get my Aggressive Diet Blueprint & Calculator! Happy New Year!

#119 - How to get my Aggressive Diet Blueprint & Calculator! Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! It's finally ready! Full Details and Pre-sale Available https://study-nutrition.com/aggressive-diet-blueprint References and links discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep119 TIMEPOINTS 01:13 - What is my Aggressive Diet Blueprint & Calculator? 02:48 - My new Positive Weight Regain Calculator - An industry first! 05:30 - Is it possible to lose 18kg in 14 weeks? 08:45 - Do you need a coach to reach your goals 12:03 - The Female Nutrition and Health Certification is coming soon 👀 15:50 - How to get the Blueprint & Calculator
21min•Jan 1, 2025
#118: GUEST APPEARANCE - How to Tackle a Big Weight Loss Goal and My Approach to an Aggressive Diet: Interviewed by Body Smart Fitness.

#118: GUEST APPEARANCE - How to Tackle a Big Weight Loss Goal and My Approach to an Aggressive Diet: Interviewed by Body Smart Fitness.

Part Two with Body Smart Fitness on how to set realistic attainable goals and the best approach to take when undergoing an aggressive diet. References and links discussed can be found at w ww.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep118 Interested in getting my updated aggressive dieting calculator? Join the interest list HERE! ( ⁠https://www.martin-macdonald.com/aggressive-diet-calculator⁠ ) Want to come to my new aggressive dieting seminar? Join the interest list HERE! ( ⁠www.martin-macdonald.com/aggressive-diet-coaching-seminar⁠ ) TIMEPOINTS 03:48 - Is slow and steady the best approach to a big weight loss goal? 09:23 - The difference between an Aggressive Diet & a crash diet 11:47 - How you should change your habits in preparation for an aggressive diet 15:00 - The theory behind fat loss and how my aggressive calculator can help you 19:32 - Is an aggressive diet harder for some people compared to others? 23:22 - The side effects of an aggressive diet that you think are true but they just aren't. 28:34 - Mindset shift before starting an aggressive diet - The multiphasic approach 47:10 - Why skipping breakfast during an aggressive diet may be beneficial 49:50 - The truth about the 'body positive' circle, are they shaming people when they shouldn’t be? 52:46 - The best approach for setting dieting goals
56min•May 28, 2024
#117: GUEST APPEARANCE - The 'Fat Gene', Metabolic Adaptation and The BS Regarding Personalised Nutrition: Interview with Body Smart Fitness

#117: GUEST APPEARANCE - The 'Fat Gene', Metabolic Adaptation and The BS Regarding Personalised Nutrition: Interview with Body Smart Fitness

In this week's episode, I am interviewed by Body Smart Fitness, regarding the myths around personalised nutrition, the phenomenon of metabolic adaptation and how menopause is the next “money grab”. We also discuss how genetics impact your fat loss journey and ways to tackle this. References and links discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep117 Here’s the link you need for most things! www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Links TIMEPOINTS 05:52 - The under under-discussed placebo effect of personalised nutrition 07:42 - Is it harder for some people to lose weight than others? 11:54 - Should ANYONE be using a continuous glucose monitor to improve their health? 16:34 - Is weight loss good or bad for the gut microbiome? 17:08 - Are your gut bacteria working against your weight loss efforts 28:08 - Is Davina McCall a sell-out for working with ZOE? 32:54 - The study that killed the insulin hypothesis 42:27 - Are programs catering towards Menopause worth it? 59:54 - Do food intolerance tests actually work? 01:02:32 - Does alcohol shut down your metabolic pathways, and stop you from losing fat?
1h 21min•May 23, 2024
#116: GUEST APPEARANCE - How Aggressive Dieting can Reduce Hunger, How to Diet Around Your Menstrual Cycle & Much More

#116: GUEST APPEARANCE - How Aggressive Dieting can Reduce Hunger, How to Diet Around Your Menstrual Cycle & Much More

In this week's episode, I discuss how women can diet around their menstrual cycle and the importance of building healthy weight maintenance habits. I also explain why hunger is reduced on aggressive deficits when compared with moderate deficits and how aggressive diets impact an individual’s relationship with food. If you're interested in joining my MacMail, join the list HERE: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/martin-macdonald/macmail-newsletter⁠ Interested in getting my updated aggressive dieting calculator? Join the interest list HERE! ( ⁠https://www.martin-macdonald.com/aggressive-diet-calculator⁠ ) Want to come to my new aggressive dieting seminar? Join the interest list HERE! ( ⁠www.martin-macdonald.com/aggressive-diet-coaching-seminar⁠ ) References and links discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep116 TIMEPOINTS 05:52 - How women should diet around their menstrual cycle 15:39 - Why aggressive deficits are better than moderate deficits for fat loss 21:37 - When you shouldn’t diet 28:24 - Does aggressive dieting negatively impact an individual’s relationship with food? 31:36 - How aggressive diets can actually reduce hunger! 37:15 - Why diets don’t have to be sustainable to be effective
43min•Apr 27, 2024
#115: GUEST APPEARANCE - Is it Harder For Women to Lose Weight Than Men & Are Food Intolerance Tests BS?

#115: GUEST APPEARANCE - Is it Harder For Women to Lose Weight Than Men & Are Food Intolerance Tests BS?

In this week's episode, I am interviewed on how to become a qualified nutritionist without a degree, the science behind the efficacy of food intolerance tests, why quick-fix diets are so popular & why it can be harder for women to lose weight than men! If you're interested in joining my MacMail, join the list here: https://mailchi.mp/martin-macdonald/macmail-newsletter Interested in getting my updated aggressive dieting calculator? Join the interest list HERE! ( https://www.martin-macdonald.com/aggressive-diet-calculator ) Want to come to my new aggressive dieting seminar? Join the interest list HERE! ( www.martin-macdonald.com/aggressive-diet-coaching-seminar ) If you are interested in becoming a qualified nutritionist in as little as 13 months check out the MNU prospectus HERE! ( www.mac-nutritionuni.com/mnu-prospectus ) References and links discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep115 TIMEPOINTS 10:30 - Why you don't have to go to university to become a nutritionist 16:40 - Are food intolerance tests all BS? 35:16 - How the fitness and nutrition industry is failing and how MNU is solving this! 40:50 - Why are quick-fix diets so appealing to people? 45:07 - Why it's much harder for women to lose weight than men?
49min•Apr 25, 2024
#114: NUTRITION - Why Eddie Abbew’s Take on Insulin & Fat Loss is SH*T

#114: NUTRITION - Why Eddie Abbew’s Take on Insulin & Fat Loss is SH*T

In this episode, I give my take on Eddie Abbew’s rise in popularity and discuss the research around his demonisation of insulin & various other things. The link to the two Kevin Hall papers and the podcast I discuss in the episode can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep114 TIMEPOINTS 00:20 - Is Eddie Abbew the new Tim Spector? 06:29 - What is the insulin hypothesis & why Eddie Abbew thinks you have to control insulin 15:05 - The two studies that disprove most low-carb thinking! 27:42 - Why some people lose more weight on a low-carb diet 34:51 - The fastest way to lose body fat that is ACTUALLY backed by science!
40min•Mar 14, 2024
#113: GUEST APPEARANCE - Jeff Hoehn Interviews me on: What Everyone Should Consider Before Bulking

#113: GUEST APPEARANCE - Jeff Hoehn Interviews me on: What Everyone Should Consider Before Bulking

On the second part of the Mind Muscle Connection podcast, I am interviewed by Jeff Hoehn on the things everyone should consider before starting a bulk! We discuss the factors that affect how someone adapts to bulking including gender, NEAT & genetics. References for the studies discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep113 TOPICS 03:04 - Why bulking is not the way to reach your ideal physique 21:54 - How to train for muscle gain & eat for fat loss 25:24 - Why people respond to bulking so differently 30:44 - The importance of understanding natural muscle gain when setting physique goals
36min•Feb 13, 2024
#112: GUEST APPEARANCE - Jeff Hoehn Interviews me on: The Reason Many People Gain Weight & Why Tracking is Unsustainable

#112: GUEST APPEARANCE - Jeff Hoehn Interviews me on: The Reason Many People Gain Weight & Why Tracking is Unsustainable

On this week’s episode, I am interviewed by Jeff Hoehn on the Mind Muscle Connection podcast. We discussed what my current nutrition and training goals are and my daily eating behaviours. We also talk about the importance of learning healthy eating habits and why tracking should be considered a tool but not a panacea for sustainable fat loss. References and links discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep112 TOPICS 10:52 - What is different about MNU & why we regulate our graduates 23:47 - How I eat 95% of the time 37:25 - Why most people gain weight over time 41:44 - Why tracking is unsustainable in the long term
44min•Feb 8, 2024
#111: NUTRITION - NEW Protein Study! The Most Significant Nutrition Knowledge Update in The Last Nine Years

#111: NUTRITION - NEW Protein Study! The Most Significant Nutrition Knowledge Update in The Last Nine Years

A new seminal paper has just been published and it has HUGELY changed/added to our current understanding of how we should be viewing protein intake!! This is big! References for the studies discussed can be found at ⁠www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep111 TOPICS 00:00 - The paper 9 years ago that finally answered a question once & for all! 04:32 - Have we been wrong in the past about "optimal" protein intake? 16:55 - How should we use this new information going forward?
27min•Jan 25, 2024
#110: NUTRITION - When & How to Refeed During an Aggressive Diet

#110: NUTRITION - When & How to Refeed During an Aggressive Diet

In this episode, I discuss what needs to be considered when implementing refeeds during an aggressive diet. The link to receive my aggressive dieting resource can be found at: https://www.martin-macdonald.com/aggressive-dieting-resource References and links discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep110 TIMEPOINTS 02:23 - What is the optimal deficit during an aggressive diet 05:53 - When and how often are refeeds needed during an aggressive diet 09:40 - The negative impacts of refeeds during an aggressive diet 16:15 - Why it's important to maintain muscle during an aggressive diet
20min•Jun 5, 2023
#109: WISDOM - Training to Get Big Arms! Or Something Like That.

#109: WISDOM - Training to Get Big Arms! Or Something Like That.

This short episode covers a few insights into the topic of training, more specifically how I took my arms from being my worst body part to arguably my best. The references and links for the study discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep109 TOPICS 1:46 - Dealing with the External & Internal Negativity 3:33 - The key things I changed in my Training to make my worst body part, my best 6:04 - The interaction between Training Frequency & Training Volume 10:10 - An area of research *some* trainers might start to obsess about too much..
13min•May 28, 2023
#108: NUTRITION - Weight Loss Injections, Insulin Sensitivity and Weight Loss

#108: NUTRITION - Weight Loss Injections, Insulin Sensitivity and Weight Loss

This is a quick fire episode after I was 'challenged' about the importance of insulin sensitivity for weight loss over simply being concerned with energy balance. I discuss weight loss injections like semaglutide and the diabetes medication, metformin. References and links discussed can be found www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep108 TOPICS 00:40 - Can certain 'insulin sensitivity' medications increase fat loss? 04:30 - The unknown impacts of increasing your insulin sensitivity 06:40 - The role of leptin and appetite hormones in weight loss maintenance 08:57 - What advice doctors should be giving alongside the prescription of "weight loss" drugs
13min•May 22, 2023
#107: GUEST APPEARANCE - Anna Skinner from Body Smart Fitness Interviews me on: PCOS, Reducing Cravings & Sugar Addiction

#107: GUEST APPEARANCE - Anna Skinner from Body Smart Fitness Interviews me on: PCOS, Reducing Cravings & Sugar Addiction

In this episode, I am interviewed by Anna Skinner from Body Smart Fitness. We discuss myths and dietary changes regarding PCOS, the efficacy of supplements, sugar addiction, cravings & much more! As mentioned in this episode, you can use code 'NANPDublin' to get £50 off tickets to my Tour Talk in Dublin on 3rd June! References and links discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep107 TOPICS 11:23 - Nutritional myths that mislead women with PCOS 18:51 - The three dietary changes to improve symptoms of PCOS 25:38 - The one supplement you should consider taking for PCOS 27:41 - Should you be supplementing with collagen 34:52 - The three supplements most people should be taking 44:21 - Is sugar addiction real & how to combat cravings 52:01 - How unconditional permission to eat can lead to weight loss 56:56 - The importance of learning how to eat when you aren’t dieting
1h 3min•May 15, 2023
#106: NUTRITION - Aggressive Dieting: Non-tracking & Transitioning to Maintenance

#106: NUTRITION - Aggressive Dieting: Non-tracking & Transitioning to Maintenance

In this week’s episode, I discuss key considerations and strategies for aggressive dieting & cover how to transition from a dieting phase to eating at maintenance! References and links discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep106 TOPICS 05:50 - How I aggressive diet with minimal tracking 09:44 - How often to weigh yourself whilst on an aggressive diet 10:30 - Two key factors to consider before starting an aggressive diet 15:45 - Should you be training whilst on an aggressive diet? 19:19 - How to eat to maintain your body fat after dieting 24:15 - The importance of understanding sacrifice If you enjoyed this, you might benefit from: Episode #12 - Two Facts to Know About Aggressive Dieting Before You Attempt It Yourself Episode #8 - What Foods Can You Eat on an Aggressive Diet? Episode #3 - Fasting & Aggressive Calorie Deficits
28min•May 8, 2023
#105: NUTRITION - An Intro in to Understanding The Lack of Evidence Behind ‘Personalised Nutrition’ Technology

#105: NUTRITION - An Intro in to Understanding The Lack of Evidence Behind ‘Personalised Nutrition’ Technology

In this episode I start what will likely be a longer journey into dispelling the misinformation that is going to fill the health, fitness & wellness industries for years to come with regards to PERSONALISED NUTRITION. During this short episode, I cover a few quick points in relation to research into the topic, past and current, and what still needs to be covered and considered in this broad field. References and links discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep105 TOPICS 1:34 - The not so new craze of personalised nutrition 11:28 - Why many degree qualified nutritionists will end up going down this route too 19:07 - My “Personalised Nutrition” lol 26:03 - My Dublin Tour Talk
27min•May 2, 2023
#104: This was supposed to be a WISDOM episode...

#104: This was supposed to be a WISDOM episode...

I had an idea for this episode but didn't record it for a couple of weeks so I kinda failed you. Instead, it turned into a Dublin Tour date announcement!! 3rd June. Save the Date! You can register your interest here! - https://mailchi.mp/martin-macdonald/dublin References and links discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep104 TOPICS 00:00 - Don't come to my Dublin Tour date if you're a snowflake... 03:52 - Something about nutritional evangelists 07:30 - Don't shoot the messenger...
12min•Mar 20, 2023
#103: NUTRITION - A Lack of Sleep Does Not Stop Fat Loss

#103: NUTRITION - A Lack of Sleep Does Not Stop Fat Loss

In this week’s episode, I discuss the evidence on the importance of sleep and whether a lack of it can impact fat loss and muscle retention. As mentioned, I'm going to be speaking in Dublin in June!! You can register your interest here! - https://mailchi.mp/martin-macdonald/dublin References for the studies discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep103 TOPICS 05:23 - Why the findings of sleep research might not apply to you/your client 12:58 - Does sleeping less than 8 hours reduce fat loss? 21:18 - Does sleep deprivation limit muscle gain? 24:14 - Why sleeping more could help you lose weight 32:07 - When to consider prioritising sleep over dieting
45min•Mar 13, 2023
#102: NUTRITION/PARENTING - Why Children Shouldn’t Drink Sweet Drinks - Addendum

#102: NUTRITION/PARENTING - Why Children Shouldn’t Drink Sweet Drinks - Addendum

This episode is a quick addendum to my last episodes, further clarifying why it might not be a good to give children sweet drinks but also emphasising that this is the scientific discussion & we then need to apply it to our REAL world situations properly & appropriately. References and links discussed can be found at www.Martin-MacDonald.com/Ep102 TOPICS 01:02 - Why completely restricting sweet drinks for children is unrealistic 02:24 - The importance of reducing all sweet drinks for children 03:33 - Considerations to improve food environment for children
7min•Feb 24, 2023