Episode 2: How do I know what a healthy diet is?

How do we actually know what a healthy diet is, and why does nutrition advice seem to change so often? In this episode, hosts Adam Fogarasi and Gretchen Repasky move beyond headlines and trends to explore what decades of nutrition science really tell us. Rather than focusing on single nutrients or strict rules, the conversation shifts towards dietary patterns and the role of real foods in shaping long-term health. Drawing on evidence from large population studies and international health organisations, the episode outlines consistent principles that underpin healthy eating. Diets rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and nuts, and lower in highly processed foods and added sugars, are repeatedly linked to better health outcomes.  Featuring Professor Christina Dahm, Aarhus University and Professor Faidon Magkos, University of Copenhagen, the episode also addresses common misconceptions, from conflicting advice about fats and carbohydrates to the role of calories and metabolism. It highlights why nutrition research is inherently complex, and why simple answers often fall short. At its core, the episode argues that a healthy diet is not about perfection or quick fixes. It is about consistent, realistic patterns built on whole foods, adapted to individual habits and sustained over time. Episode info GuestsChristina Dahm, Professor of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Faidon Magkos, Professor of Human Metabolism, Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen HostsAdam Fogarasi, PhD student, University of Copenhagen, Gretchen Repasky, Center Scientific Manager, Center for Protein Design, University of Copenhagen Publisher: Danish Diabetes and Endocrine Academy Audio engineering: Periscope Producer: Adam Fogarasi, Gretchen Repasky