Podcast Summary: "The Food Pyramid Is A Lie"
Kennedy Saves the World | Host: Kennedy (A) | Guest: Jillian Michaels (B)
Date: January 14, 2026
Overview
In this episode, host Kennedy welcomes back health and fitness expert Jillian Michaels to expose the truth behind the U.S. food pyramid and shine a light on how industry lobbying and outdated regulations have rigged America's food system. With Kennedy's trademark humor and Jillian’s no-nonsense insights, they dissect how “big food,” “big ag,” and related industries have steered nutritional policy to the detriment of public health. The conversation covers nutrition myths, the role of government, ingredient safety, the realities of food deserts, personal dietary strategies, and ends with practical guidance for listeners looking to take charge of their own health.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Food Pyramid: Business Plan or Nutrition Guide?
- [02:21] Kennedy jokes about the "thousand servings of bread" the old food pyramid seemed to recommend, quipping:
“Big government hates small intestines. I'll say it.”
- [03:11] Jillian cuts to the heart of the controversy:
“It is the most nefarious piece of legislation regarding diet. That is a business plan, not nutrition instruction.”
- The food pyramid was directed not by pure science, but by lobbying from groups like wheat, soybean, and corn associations (Corn Refiners Association).
- The document influences public school lunches, military rations, and food assistance programs (SNAP, WIC), creating massive subsidies for grains and processed foods.
The System is Rigged: Who Benefits?
- [01:09] Jillian:
“This is a problem caused by a myriad of issues, greatly exacerbated by big Ag, big food, big Pharma and big insurance.”
- Only 5% of American adults were overweight or obese in the 1970s vs. 74% today—far beyond what genetics can explain.
- Big corporations lobby the government to keep subsidies and regulations in their favor, while the average American’s health deteriorates.
The Role of Government: Regulation or Retreat?
- Kennedy and Jillian debate whether getting government "out of the way" would help, but both agree some regulation is essential for safety (e.g., regulating pesticides like glyphosate).
- [06:34] Jillian:
“If you get them fully out of the way, then you're allowing these guys to put whatever they want in your water, in your food, in your beauty products, and your cleaning products.”
- The “grass rule” (Generally Recognized as Safe) allows companies to self-certify chemicals as safe, with little meaningful oversight.
Food Deserts and Access
- [04:26] Kennedy: Acknowledges rural “food deserts” where healthy options are miles away, compared to abundant access in cities.
- The USDA is mandating that stores accepting EBT cards must carry healthier options.
Why Does Food in Europe Feel Different?
- U.S. grains are often heavily processed, genetically engineered, and treated with chemicals outlawed in the EU.
- Jillian explains the difference between natural crossbreeding vs. inserting jellyfish genes into tomatoes.
- Environmental pollutants, EMFs, sugar addiction, and sedentary lifestyles all contribute to declining health.
Actionable Tips for Listeners
Jillian’s Advice
- [11:33] “Big rocks” for health:
- Number one: Eat less food overall, unless it’s unlimited greens.
- Focus on real, whole foods to trigger natural satiety hormones (GLP1, GIP, leptin) and avoid engineered foods designed to override fullness.
- Volumetrics: fill up on cruciferous (cauliflower, broccoli), fibrous vegetables, and leafy greens.
- [12:06] Kennedy asks:
“How do you do that without getting hungry?”
- Jillian suggests that real food, protein, fiber, and healthy fats satisfy hunger cues better than processed foods.
Meal Prep Example
- [13:43] Kennedy:
“I do like mashed cauliflower. It's very easy to make. Steam it for 10 minutes, and then mix it with vegan butter, a little bit of garlic powder.”
- Jillian: “I want to make sure you didn't see, like some sort of soybean.” (Prefers organic olive oil-based vegan butter.)
- Prepare meals in advance for simplicity and success.
Toxic America's Food Crisis: Jillian’s Project
- Jillian’s latest project unpacks how four "monster industries" (Big Ag, Food, Pharma, Insurance) profit from keeping Americans “fat, sick, and nearly dead.”
- Practical focus: understanding the traps and learning “simple, accessible, affordable ways to opt out” and self-advocate.
Enjoying Food Without Sacrifice
- Both share ways of enjoying food without excess:
- [16:00] Kennedy: Family salmon recipes, brown sugar, Dijon mustard.
- Snacks: “low sugar gluten free chocolate chip cookies,” “strawberries dipped in dark chocolate.”
- [18:44] Kennedy (humorous):
“Jasmine green tea actually amplifies the egcg... fights cancer in the tongue, esophagus, stomach, breast, colon, and butthole. And that's what I'm here for.”
Jillian: “You do not need butthole cancer.”
Movement and Balance
- [21:11] Jillian:
“Number one form of preventative medicine is exercise.”
- Kennedy: “The mantra, movement is medicine. It is so true.”
- Jillian advocates for mobility training and consistent exercise, “motion is lotion,” emphasizing how these habits safeguard longevity and overall well-being.
Notable Quotes by Timestamp
- [03:11] Jillian:
“It is the most nefarious piece of legislation regarding diet. That is a business plan, not nutrition instruction.”
- [06:34] Jillian:
“If you get them fully out of the way, then you're allowing these guys to put whatever they want in your water, in your food...”
- [11:33] Jillian:
“First, eat less food. Because inherently when you eat less food, you are going to limit the toxins...”
- [18:44] Kennedy:
“Jasmine green tea actually... fights cancer in the tongue, esophagus, stomach, breast, colon, and butthole. And that's what I'm here for.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:10 – Introduction: government nutrition news, food pyramid issues
- 02:21 – Food pyramid origins and lobbying impact
- 04:26 – Food deserts and access inequalities
- 06:34 – Government versus corporate power in food policy
- 07:45 – Dangers of pesticides (e.g., glyphosate)
- 08:35 – Differences in European vs. American grains and chemicals
- 11:33 – Jillian’s practical dietary advice: what to do instead of “going grain free”
- 13:43 – Kennedy’s meal prep strategies (mashed cauliflower)
- 16:00 – Healthy and easy salmon meal suggestions
- 17:06 – Jillian’s project “Toxic America's Food Crisis”
- 18:44 – Caffeine rituals, “cancer-fighting” virtues of green tea (with humorous banter)
- 21:11 – Movement as medicine and long-term health
Tone and Takeaways
- The episode is playful but direct, full of Kennedy’s quick wit and Jillian’s incisive commentary.
- Both highlight the need for personal agency, healthy skepticism of food industry motives, and commonsense health strategies rooted in real food, movement, and advocacy.
- The advice is simple but not always easy: focus on unprocessed foods, practical preparation, and consistent moderate exercise.
For more from Kennedy and Jillian Michaels on food, wellness, and cultural commentary, listen to “Kennedy Saves the World” available on FOX News Podcasts and all major platforms.