Changing Plates – Details, episodes & analysis

Have you found yourself tangled in the web of diet culture? As the landscape of food and nutrition advice grows more crowded, many people feel anxious over their food choices. Meanwhile, society’s relentless focus on weight loss has fueled disordered eating and strained our relationship with food.

In this episode, we sit down with Maeve Hanan, a registered dietitian and founder of Dietetically Speaking, to explore the principles of intuitive eating. Maeve shares insights on how to break away from diet culture and her work to help people heal their relationship with food. 

Episode links
Website: dieteticallyspeaking.com
Empowered Group Programme: dieteticallyspeaking.com/empowered-programme
Instagram: @dieteticallyspeaking

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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Did you know that celiac disease can present with over 200 symptoms? For those affected, navigating the challenges of this autoimmune condition can be overwhelming. In this episode, Chris Rich (CEO & Executive Director of the National Celiac Association) sheds light on the realities of living with celiac disease, from the complexities of diagnosis to the hurdles of maintaining a gluten-free diet – the only current treatment option.

Chris also discusses the impactful work of the National Celiac Association in supporting individuals with celiac disease, advocating for better resources, and fostering a future where managing this condition is easier and more understood.

Episode links
Website: nationalceliac.org

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Welcome to Changing Plates, the podcast that explores how food is shaping a better world! We’re Allison and Bianca, two nutrition experts and food lovers, fed up with the negative stories surrounding food. So, we created Changing Plates to focus on the innovations and ideas transforming the way we eat and think about food.

In each episode, we bring you conversations with leaders, innovators and disruptors who are tackling global food challenges with fresh solutions. If you're passionate about the future of food—whether you're a health professional or just love a good meal—this podcast is for you. Tune in for insightful and uplifting discussions about the future of food.

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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Can genetics determine the best diet for you? From caffeine sensitivity to protein metabolism, personalized nutrition is reshaping how we approach food choices. Yet, many individuals and health professionals are unsure how to effectively apply genetic testing results to improve our diets.

In this episode, Leta Pilic, founder of Optimyse Nutrition, breaks down how genetic testing can enhance nutrition counseling, offering a tailored approach that can inspire behavior change. Whether you're a practitioner or looking to optimize your own diet, Leta provides insights into the practical applications of personalized nutrition.

Episode links

• Website: optimysenutrition.com 
• Newsletter: mailchi.mp/1fa6950ed824/free-educational-content
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/leta-pilic
• Instagram: @optimyse_nutrition

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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• Email: changingplates1@gmail.com

Could your next prescription be a trip to the produce aisle?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Megan Gow, Senior Research Fellow at the George Institute, to unpack the concept of Food is Medicine. From addressing chronic disease to ensuring access to nutritious food after acute events, Dr. Gow shares her research and explores the diverse strategies behind this innovative approach. Discover how these interventions are reshaping the future of healthcare.

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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Have you noticed the explosion of eco-labels and environmental claims on products in the grocery store? With 456 types of eco-labels used across 200 countries, knowing which labels truly reflect sustainable practices—and which may be little more than marketing—is more challenging than ever. 

In this episode, Ásta Ágústsdóttir delves into the difficulties consumers face in deciphering these labels and explores why, despite their intentions, eco-labels may fall short of shaping consumer behavior. Join us to learn about alternative initiatives and regulations that could be more effective at driving sustainable diets.

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are a hot topic, fueling both confusion and concern. But without a clear, universal definition or dietary guidelines on "ultra-processed," navigating what’s on our plates can be confusing for both consumers and health professionals.

In this episode, we’re joined by Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a registered dietitian and author of the book How Not to Eat Ultra-Processed. Nichola shares a balanced, realistic approach to incorporating UPFs into our diets. Tune in as we discuss her new book and what the conversation around UPFs mean for the broader food landscape.

Episode links

• Instagram: @nicsnutrition and @mummynutrition
• How Not to Eat Ultra-Processed book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/464201/how-not-to-eat-ultra-processed-by-ludlam-raine-nichola/9781529940114
• Bancil, A., Sandall, A., Rossi, M., Chassaing, B., Lindsay, J. O., & Whelan, K. (in press). Food additive emulsifiers and their impact on gut microbiome, permeability and inflammation: mechanistic insights in inflammatory bowel disease. Journal of Crohn's and Colitis.https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/ws/portalfiles/portal/139637056/Emulsifiers_and_mechanisms_in_IBD_Submission3_FULL.pdf
• UK Government research and analysis on ultra-processed foods: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ultra-processed-food-upfs/ultra-processed-food-html

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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In today’s food industry, innovation is key to overcoming global challenges and creating sustainable solutions.

In this episode, we dive into the role of food technology in shaping a brighter future. Lia Carlucci, Managing Director of Food Campus Berlin, shares insights into some of the most exciting advancements from food tech companies, along with her work on climate-driven initiatives. Discover how these innovations are helping to revolutionize the way we approach food and the environment.

Episode links

• Food Campus Berlin 
• Vitamin C Newsletter
• Women in Climate Tech EU

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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Why is communication key to advancing nutrition? In this season finale of Changing Plates, we speak with Christina Xenaki, a registered dietitian with experience spanning marketing, medical affairs and communications for major food brands about the transformative power of storytelling.

From bridging the gap between innovation and public perception to emphasizing the growing importance of medical nutrition, Christina shares compelling stories and practical strategies for driving meaningful change. Tune in to discover how effective communication can reshape how we think about food - and why it matters now more than ever!

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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In this episode of Changing Plates, we’re joined by Dr. Eva Monterrosa, co-founder of the Food Culture Alliance, for a conversation on why culture is such a powerful force in shaping what we eat.

Eva shares the story behind launching the Alliance in 2023 and explains how food culture can shift demand toward healthier, more sustainable foods. We discuss the NIBS framework (Narratives, Identity, Beliefs, and Culinary Systems) and explore the food cultural topics being explored at the Food Culture Alliance.

We also look at the role of storytelling in defining what feels “normal” or “desirable” to eat — and how understanding culture can help create healthier food futures.

Episode links

• Website:foodculturealliance.org/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-monterrosa/

Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you!

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• Email: changingplates1@gmail.com