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

Are carbohydrates really the enemy? Michelle tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in nutrition: carbs . Learn why your body actually prefers healthy carbohydrates as its main fuel source, and how to choose the right kinds, from whole grains , fruits , and legumes to unrefined plant-based carbs . She breaks down the differences between simple vs complex carbs , refined vs unrefined , and ex...

Michelle dives into Canada’s 2023 alcohol guidelines and the World Health Organization's declaration that no amount of alcohol is safe. They break down what constitutes a standard drink, explain the stark new recommendations (just 2 or fewer drinks per week , with anything over 7 drinks highly risky ), and unpack the associated health concerns— cancer , heart disease , liver issues , and injur...

Michelle tackles a listener question about ghee and dive deep into the health effects of saturated fat and oxidized cholesterol . Is ghee really a healthy fat, or does it carry hidden risks for heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and more? Michelle explains the science behind oxysterols , and both hosts share practical strategies for oil-free cooking , including swaps like water sautéing, veggie broth, ap...

Kevin and Michelle delve into the latest food industry trends , focusing on plant-based innovations and the evolving market dynamics. They discuss how millennials and Gen Z are driving demand for plant-based products, the rise of whole food plant-based options, and the impact of these trends on food development and marketing strategies. Join them as they explore the intersection of food technology...

We're taking a short break this week, so we're rebroadcasting our very first 'food' episode. Back in 2019, Canada made one of its first major updates to the food guide since 1977. Discover how Canada’s updated Food Guide promotes healthy eating habits, balanced meals, and science-based nutrition. Learn what to put on your plate, from fruits and veggies to quality proteins, and why...

Hosts Kevin and Michelle reconnect and Michelle shares her transformative experience in Bali, where she achieved her goal of becoming a 200-hour certified yoga instructor. She reflects on the challenges and rewards of the journey, including the physical demands and cultural insights gained along the way. The episode also touches on the intersection of travel, food, and wellness, offering listeners...

Confused about the difference between vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, and whole food plant-based diets? You’re not alone! Kevin and Michelle tackle a listener question from Mélanie and break down the nuanced differences between these commonly misunderstood dietary terms. Discover how vegetarianism evolved, what “vegan” really means, and why “whole food plant-based” focuses on inclusion and health—...

Kevin and Michelle continue their deep dive into the powerful health benefits of tea. Discover how compounds like catechins, theaflavins, and EGCG found in green, black, and oolong teas contribute to immune system support , cardiovascular health , and cancer prevention . Backed by recent studies and practical takeaways, this conversation explores how adding tea to your daily routine can boost over...

Kevin and Michelle build upon last episode's discussion about tea’s chemical properties and dive into fresh highlights from a recent scientific symposium. Discover how compounds found in green, black, and oolong teas—like catechins, L‑theanine, and caffeine—support attention , stress response , immune function , cognitive health , heart protection , and cancer prevention . Supported by randomi...

Kevin and Michelle sip their way through a discussion on whether drinking tea can actually help you recover from illness. They explore the science behind herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, peppermint, and echinacea, and how their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immune-boosting properties may affect common colds and flu. The hosts also weigh in on hydration, warm fluids, and the placebo effe...

Discover the power of phytonutrients as Kevin and Michelle explore the diverse family of plant compounds that go beyond basic nutrition to support your health—like antioxidants , flavonoids , carotenoids , and more. Learn how these bioactive compounds help reduce inflammation, protect against chronic diseases, and promote overall wellness. Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or a seasoned veg...

Struggling to eat healthy when dining out? In a continuation of last episode's discussion, Michelle shares practical tips to make better food choices at restaurants—without sacrificing flavour or fun. From plant-based ordering hacks to global inspiration from Japan, Myanmar, and Ireland, learn how to navigate menus, plan ahead, and stay aligned with your health goals even when eating out. Whet...

Discover effective tips and tactics for changing your eating habits. Join Kevin and Michelle as they share practical strategies for sustainable nutrition, including goal setting, overcoming food triggers, and building healthier habits gradually. Whether you're looking to improve your diet, break bad eating patterns, or adopt long-term lifestyle changes, this episode offers expert guidance to h...

Michelle breaks down the essentials of dietary fats —what they are, the differences between saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats , and how to read food labels to make healthier choices. Learn why some fats are beneficial while others can raise your risk for heart disease, and how plant-based diets can help you optimize fat intake. This episode provides clear, science-backed guidance to help you...

Hosts Kevin Harries and Michelle Pierce Hamilton explore the evolutionary origins of human diet. They examine whether our ancestors were primarily hunters, gatherers, or a combination of both, and discuss the implications of these dietary patterns on modern health and nutrition. This episode offers insights into how understanding our ancestral eating habits can inform contemporary dietary choices....

Explore the world of plant-based milk alternatives. Hosts Kevin Harries and Michelle Pierce-Hamilton discuss popular options like soy, oat, and coconut milk, diving into their nutritional profiles, health benefits, and environmental impacts. Whether you're lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply curious about dairy-free options, this episode provides valuable insights to help you make informed ch...

Hosts Michelle and Kevin dive deep into the nutritional pros and cons of dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. From lactose intolerance and ethical concerns to calcium, casein, and hormonal impact, this is your no-BS guide to understanding dairy from a beginner-friendly, evidence-based perspective. Whether you're vegan-curious, struggling with digestion, or just want to know if you rea...

In Episode 4 we talked about protein, and in episode 5, we covered the gut biome and how we (literally) are what we eat. Now, if you're curious about switching to a plant-based diet but worried about getting enough protein or fibre, we've got you covered. In this deep and insightful episode, plant-based nutritionist Michelle busts common diet myths and explains how eating whole plant foods...

Curious about gut health and how your microbiome really works? Michelle unpacks the fascinating science behind the gut microbiome, its impact on your immune system, digestion, cravings, and mental health. Discover why store-bought probiotics might be overrated, how fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut can naturally support your gut, and why “living dirty and eating clean” could be the key to...

Michelle breaks down everything you need to know about protein — why it’s essential for muscle growth, metabolism, and overall health. They explore the differences between animal-based and plant-based proteins , discussing digestibility, amino acid profiles, and real-world impacts on your diet. Whether you're curious about meat vs vegan protein , or how to optimize your nutrition sustainably,...

Co-hosts Michelle and Kevin dive into the science of hydration. They explore the varying recommendations on daily water intake, discuss the factors that influence individual hydration needs, and debunk common myths surrounding water consumption. From understanding the difference between thirst and actual hydration needs to evaluating the impact of climate and activity levels on water requirements,...

Back in 2019, Canada made one of its first major updates to the food guide since 1977. Discover how Canada’s updated Food Guide promotes healthy eating habits, balanced meals, and science-based nutrition. Learn what to put on your plate—from fruits and veggies to quality proteins—and why milk, juice, and meat are no longer mandatory. Please  subscribe  and drop us a review—your feedback helps fell...

Join voice actor Kevin Harries (the “noob”) and certified holistic nutritionist Michelle Pierce‑Hamilton in the inaugural episode of Nutrition for Noobs . Discover how Kevin, approaching his 50s, confronts the confusion around food and eating habits — and why nutrition is more than just “eat this, avoid that.” Michelle shares her journey from project management to Cornell-trained nutritionist and...

Join besties Michelle (the nutritionist) and Kevin (the noob) in Nutrition for Noobs , the podcast that makes learning about food and health simple, surprising, and fun! From crazy food trends to busting everyday myths, we break down nutrition into bite-sized, entertaining episodes. Whether you're just starting out or want to sharpen your health smarts, this show is packed with laughs, facts,...