Fun Food Science
get ready... it's time to rock and roll
Learning about bio-chemistry saved my life. In the process, I considered my entire body and how every aspect of my life either harmed my health or contributed to its wellness. Bio-chemistry is... the application of chemistry to the study of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. The first question plant-based eaters usually hear is: where do you get your protein if you don’t eat animals? Answer: protein is in ALL foods. Broccoli has more protein per calorie than steak! My brain also exploded when I learned about excess protein's negative impact on health. Put on your critical-thinking hat, approach this section with an open mind, and dive in. Ready to feel more focused and ALIVE every day?
ON THIS PAGE:
Science + Art of Nutrition / Top Five Food Myths / Two oxes walk into a bar / Nutrient-Density vs Calorie-Density / Cut the Calorie-Rich-and-Processed Foods / What's psycho-neuro-immunology (PNI)? / Breaking up is hard to do. (All About Cheese) / Meet Plant-Powered Pioneers / Got Kidz? Food Science in Kidzone
Three Essentials for Food Education
Top Five Food Myths
Protein, carbohydrates, calories, fat, and supplements. Way too many manipulative marketing campaigns have unfortunately filled our already tired, over-loaded, and mistrustful brains with creative spin-doctor noise and disinformation (lies). It's a racket and we're the guinea pigs.
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Nutrient-Density vs Calorie-Density
(we're over-eating and nutritionally starving at the same time)
Packed with macro-nutrients, vitamins, minerals, fiber, phytochemicals, and water, WPF foods are high in nutrients and low in calories. Exceptions are nutrient-dense, high-fat, high-calorie plants such as raw nuts, raw seeds, low-salt olives, and avocados (it's wise to limit these essential, high-fat beauties).
Conversely, calorie-dense foods like fast foods, animal foods, processed foods, faux-vegan foods, and even plant oils are more nutrient-deficient. The irony? We're over-eating and nutritiously starving at the same time.
What's psycho-neuro-immunology (PNI)?
Happiness, loss, and the spectrum of neurological states have a direct impact on our gut microbiome, immune system, and disease expression. Some positive solutions? Get therapy, leave a toxic relationship, walk in nature, take a camping holiday, change jobs, dance, watch comedy, start a journal, meditate - whatever it takes for peace of mind.
"You can dramatically affect the expression of your metabolism and your bio-chemistry by the way you eat and the way you live."
- Jillian Michaels, American Personal Trainer + Fitness Coach
Breaking up is hard to do.
Of all the food hazards on the planet, cheese gets a gold medal and processed meats get a silver (bronze is a tie between inflammation-causing and junk foods; fourth is a tie between egg yolks and high-fructose corn syrup). Consider this: when plant-powered advocates are asked about the foods most difficult to give up, without hesitation almost everyone says cheese (my nemesis was Greek yoghurt).
Meet Plant-Powered Pioneers