A whole new twist to “Where do you get your protein?”
What’s the single question you’re most likely to be asked, once people find out that you eat a plant-based diet? Of course, it’s “Where do you get your protein?” The person asking this question doesn’t realise it, but they’re stuck in 19th century thinking when it comes to protein: they’ve bought into the myth that…
More evidence that taking the Pill in your teens is linked to depression
In a previous post, Hormonal contraception and women’s mental health, I discussed the findings of a study that tracked over 1 million Danish women aged 15-34 for 14 years, and found a dramatically increased risk of being diagnosed with depression in adolescents (aged 15-19) who were using hormonal contraceptives. Now, a new study has extended…
Osteoporosis drugs don’t reduce risk of dying
There’s a strange paradox that characterises life in the 21st century. Never before in human history (and prehistory) have we been so reliant on the fruits of science to live our everyday lives; and yet there is a growing movement of suspicion and even rejection of the scientific method that has delivered everything that we…
Deep dive into gut health
A couple of years ago, I sat down with Anna Chisholm to record this interview on gut health for her Big Impact podcast. Sadly, the Big Impact podcast has now been discontinued, but thanks to the technical wizardry of my friend Jenny Cameron of Wholefoods Plant Based Health, I’ve managed to retrieve the recording. If…
Gut bugs and human health: A tale of two evolutionary trajectories
In the wonderful Pixar film WALL-E, 29th century humans are depicted as helpless, indolent, obese creatures. Generations of exposure to microgravity, and total reliance on machines to service their every need, have acted as evolutionary selection pressures. With no requirement to think for themselves, navigate adversity or perform any actions on their own behalf, both…
Red Lentil and Carrot Dip
Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic 300 g carrots, roughly chopped 150 g split red lentils, rinsed in a colander250 g water300 g carrots, roughly chopped1 tsp turmeric1 tsp dried coriander1/4 tsp black pepper1/4 cup fresh coriander2 tbsp snipped chives15 g tahini1 tsp misoJuice of 1 lemon Thermomix method: Mince garlic for 2 seconds on sp 9.…
Which meal should you skip for weight loss?
Intermittent fasting protocols have become increasingly popular among people seeking weight loss or easier weight management, improved gut function and better sleep, among numerous other health benefits touted by proponents of the practice. The most popular form of intermittent fasting is time-restricted eating (TRE), in which food intake is limited to a defined window of…
French Sorrel, Beetroot, Potato and Tempeh Salad
My local organic farmers’ market has several stalls selling the widest variety of greens I’ve ever seen in my life. Every Sunday, I’m like a kid in a lolly shop, eager to try a new green! This week, it was time to give French sorrel a whirl. French sorrel is from the buckwheat family, and…
Ultraprocessed foods make you overeat – even when you don’t want to – and cause weight gain
If you’ve been reading my articles for a while, you’ll have gathered by now that I’m a total nerd when it comes to nutrition research. I’m one of those strange people who get very excited by an elegant study design that takes an intelligent approach to an important research question and yields insights that are…
Raspberry Couscous Breakfast Bowl
Couscous is a type of pasta made from small steamed balls of crushed durum wheat semolina. It’s ridiculously easy to prepare – just pour boiling water over it and leave for 10-15 minutes – which makes it ideal for the time-poor or kitchen-challenged. It’s also versatile – its mild flavour renders it suitable for both…