Episodios

  • The 2026 Seed Oil & Inflammation Study Has Been Published! (Ep. 121)
    Mar 11 2026

    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

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    31 m
  • GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs vs Aggressive Dieting: Which is better? (Ep.120)
    Dec 11 2025

    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

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    45 m
  • #119 - How to get my Aggressive Diet Blueprint & Calculator! Happy New Year!
    Jan 1 2025

    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

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    21 m
  • #118: GUEST APPEARANCE - How to Tackle a Big Weight Loss Goal and My Approach to an Aggressive Diet: Interviewed by Body Smart Fitness.
    May 28 2024

    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 www.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


    Más Menos
    56 m
  • #117: GUEST APPEARANCE - The 'Fat Gene', Metabolic Adaptation and The BS Regarding Personalised Nutrition: Interview with Body Smart Fitness
    May 23 2024

    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?

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    1 h y 22 m
  • #116: GUEST APPEARANCE - How Aggressive Dieting can Reduce Hunger, How to Diet Around Your Menstrual Cycle & Much More
    Apr 27 2024

    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

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    44 m
  • #115: GUEST APPEARANCE - Is it Harder For Women to Lose Weight Than Men & Are Food Intolerance Tests BS?
    Apr 25 2024

    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?

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    50 m
  • #114: NUTRITION - Why Eddie Abbew’s Take on Insulin & Fat Loss is SH*T
    Mar 14 2024

    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!

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    41 m