Nutrition for Noobs: Nutrition Science, Plant Based Eating and Beginners Nutrition Tips

Michelle and Kevin explore the connection between nutrition, skin health and sun exposure. While sunscreen remains the most important tool for protecting your skin from UV damage, research suggests that a nutrient-rich diet can help improve your skin's natural resilience. Michelle explains how antioxidants, carotenoids, polyphenols, and other plant compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and wh...

Summer is here, and so are the questions: Do people with darker skin need sunscreen? Is sunscreen safe? Are chemical sunscreens harmful? And what about mineral sunscreens? Michelle and Kevin separate sunscreen facts from fiction. Michelle shares a personal story about a severe sunburn during the Camino de Santiago and explains how her father's experience with skin cancer changed her perspectiv...

Michelle shares key takeaways from the 7th Annual Canadian Plant-Based Nutrition and Health Conference, including powerful research on how diet impacts cancer risk, recovery, and overall health. From the role of fiber in satiety to the real-world benefits of a whole food, plant-based diet, this episode highlights how small, sustainable changes can make a big difference. You’ll also hear: Why up to...

Perimenopause and menopause can feel confusing, overwhelming and often misunderstood. Michelle and Kevin welcome naturopathic doctor Dr Marianne Trevorrow for an in-depth, evidence-based conversation that cuts through the noise. They unpack what perimenopause and menopause actually are, how to recognize early (and often overlooked) symptoms, and why so many people don’t realize what’s happening un...

In this refreshing pre-summer episode of Recipes for Noobs , Kevin and Michelle dive spoon-first into the world of gazpacho, with two wildly different takes on the classic chilled soup. Kevin brings the traditional tomato-forward “summer in a bowl” version packed with ripe farmer’s market tomatoes, garlic, cucumber, and fresh herbs, while Michelle counters with a surprisingly creamy and protein-ri...

“Forever chemicals” (PFAS) are everywhere, but how concerned should you really be? Michelle and Kevin are joined by toxicologist Dr Deborah Keil to break down the science behind PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of persistent chemicals found in water, food packaging, cookware and more. You’ll learn: What PFAS are and why they’re called “forever chemicals” How these substances ent...

Margarine might seem like an ordinary kitchen staple, but its history is anything but boring. A listener question sent Michelle down a surprising rabbit hole that includes government bans, dairy industry lobbying, smuggling across Canadian borders, and even a literal “colour war” over whether margarine could be yellow. What seems like a simple butter substitute has a surprisingly dramatic past. Ma...

Michelle and Kevin sit down with radiation oncologist Dr Zahra Kassam to unpack one of the most important, and personal, topics in health: the relationship between nutrition and cancer. Dr Kassam is a radiation oncologist at the Stronach Regional Cancer Centre, Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, co-founder of Plant-Based Canada , and co-author of Eating Plant-Based . With more than...

Grocery prices are up, budgets are tight, and consumers are more health-conscious than ever. So where does that leave us when it comes to organic produce, pesticide residues, and the popular “Dirty Dozen” list from the Environmental Working Group? Michelle and Kevin dig into the pros, cons, and context behind the Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists. Are strawberries really a toxic nightmare? Should you...

Kevin and Michelle are feeling punchy after a long, dreary winter, and it shows. What starts as cold remedies (ginger, garlic, lemon, honey, and a serious kick of cayenne) turns into a fiery, flavour-packed conversation about one of Kevin’s favourite appetizers: Bang Bang Cauliflower. In this episode, Kevin walks through his easy, three-step recipe for crispy, spicy cauliflower bites made with map...

Are microwaves actually safe, or have we all been “nuking” our food for decades? Michelle dives into the surprising science, history, and health implications of microwave ovens, from Percy Spencer’s accidental candy-bar discovery to how modern microwaves really work. Kevin and Michelle break down common microwave myths, explain the difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, and explor...

Tofu has a reputation problem: bland, mushy, or downright traumatic. No fear! Kevin and Michelle set out to demystify tofu once and for all . From silken tofu disasters to crispy, crave-worthy success stories, they break down everything beginners need to know about cooking tofu properly . You’ll learn the different types of tofu (silken, soft, medium, firm, extra-firm, and pressed tofu), how water...

The new 2025–2030 U.S. Dietary Guidelines have ignited controversy, and for once, nutrition policy is trending. From an upside-down food pyramid stacked with red meat, butter, and full-fat dairy to confusing messaging on saturated fat, processed foods, and plant-based diets, many experts are asking: How did we get here? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Matthew Nagra , Canadian naturopathic doct...

Are seed oils actually harmful, or is the internet just shouting louder than the science? In this myth-busting episode, Michelle and Kevin go deep into the evidence behind seed oils, saturated fats, omega-6 to omega-3 ratios, and the real health risks hiding in ultra-processed foods. Michelle breaks down how different oils (canola, soybean, olive, corn) vary in fatty acid composition, why polyunsa...

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, Michelle and Kevin sit down with physician, researcher, and global health advocate Dr Tushar Mehta to explore how our food system impacts human health, environmental sustainability, pandemic risk, and social justice. Dr Mehta breaks down the evidence behind whole-food, plant-based and Eat-Lancet dietary patterns, clarifying what the science actually...

Curious about how to succeed on a vegan or plant-based diet? Michelle and Kevin break down the essential nutrients you need to thrive, including B12, zinc, magnesium and chromium, while highlighting why processed plant-based foods can sabotage your health. Learn practical tips on improving diet quality, optimizing nutrient absorption, and understanding common deficiencies that affect vegans and om...

Kevin and Michelle uncover surprising nutrition facts hiding in plain sight. From noodles packed with 40% of your daily sodium to the truth behind fast-food veggie burgers like the new McVeggie. They dive into the actual nutrition behind these burgers, explore the difference between “healthy” and “less harmful,” explore why ingredient lists can be misleading, and share how to make smarter food cho...

Dig deep into the world of grains to uncover the truth about gluten: what it is, which grains contain it, and whether you really need to avoid it. From wheat, barley, and rye to pseudo-grains like quinoa and buckwheat, Michelle explains how gluten functions as a protein and why celiac disease, gluten intolerance, and general sensitivity are very different things. They also share affordable, plant-...

Learn about the “whole grain hierarchy” to uncover which grains are the most nutritious, and which ones are best kept as an occasional snack. (It's like a whole grain Game of Thrones this week!) From intact grains like quinoa, barley, and wild rice, all the way down to puffed rice cakes, they explain how processing impacts fiber, protein, and nutrient levels. Along the way, you’ll hear nostalg...

Let's reveal the hidden health risks of everyday ultra-processed foods , from childhood lunchbox staples like hot hogs, salami and bologna to the long-term impact on gut health, cancer risk, and overall wellness. Michelle breaks down why colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in North America, how diet plays a critical role in prevention, and why heart disease and cancer remain le...

Unlock the secrets of coffee, wellness, and nutrition as Michelle and Kevin dive deep with special guests Jenna Goodhand and Tomas Dobranski from Cafezia. Explore the fascinating history of coffee, and discover how modern wellness coffees are transforming the way we drink our favourite morning beverage. Learn about the science behind brewing styles, cholesterol, antioxidants, and how small herbal...

Michelle explores the science of chronobiology , the study of how our internal clocks impact metabolism, weight loss, gut health, and overall well-being. Michelle unpacks fascinating research showing that eating the same meals at different times of day can yield dramatically different results , and why syncing your eating habits with your circadian rhythm could be the missing piece in your health...

Surprise! To celebrate the 50th official episode of Nutrition for Noobs (coming tomorrow), we're dropping this special bonus, packed with two years' worth of behind-the-scenes outtakes, hilarious off-mic moments, and raw banter between your favorite co-hosts, Kevin and Michelle. From digestive hand gestures to cricket recipes, recording flubs, intro confusion, poop talk, and Muppet referen...

Michelle and Kevin explore the science and lifestyle strategies behind intermittent fasting , time-restricted eating , and the groundbreaking fasting mimicking diet (FMD) developed by Dr. Valter Longo. They dive into how ancient eating patterns influence modern health, discuss the ideal fasting window for longevity and weight loss, and examine why most of us eat far more frequently than our bodies...

Looking for a healthier dessert that’s still rich, chocolatey, and satisfying? Kevin shares his perfected, egg-free, oil-free Mexican-inspired chocolate cake made with black beans , apples , dates , and dark chocolate . Discover simple ingredient swaps for eggs and fat using pantry staples like applesauce , zucchini , and banana , and learn how to create delicious desserts without sacrificing text...