Did you know that most Canadians—and people in developed countries—are severely deficient in dietary fibre (or fiber, for our American friends)? In this eye-opening episode, Michelle and Kevin dive deep into the importance of fibre for digestive health, metabolism, weight management, and disease prevention. Discover the difference between soluble fibre and insoluble fibre , why prebiotic fibre and resistant starches are crucial for a healthy gut microbiome, and how inadequate fibre intake is lin...
Jun 24, 2025•42 min•Ep. 44
In this seed‑tastic episode of Nutrition for Noobs , Michelle and Kevin dive into one of the most buzzworthy nutrition questions: chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp hearts – which one truly wins? Packed with seed puns and dad-joke flair, they serve up science‑rich nutrition insights that are as fun as they are informative. Tune in to uncover : Which seed is the anti‑inflammatory MVP Simple prep habits for soaking, grinding, and storing Easy recipes—chia pudding, flax eggs, granolas The surprising bene...
Jun 10, 2025•39 min•Ep. 43
In this savory catch-up of Nutrition for Noobs , Kevin and Michelle simmer down to the core question: Is bone broth truly a nutritional superstar—or just a trendy fad? With their signature blend of curiosity, wit, and science, they crack open the broth world and pour out all the facts. Tune in if you want to: Understand what makes bone broth different from other broths and stocks Learn about its real collagen content, amino acids, and mineral benefits Discover how to make your own broth safely—o...
May 27, 2025•44 min•Ep. 42
Is collagen just hype, or truly a health powerhouse for skin, joints, and more? In this episode of Nutrition for Noobs , Kevin and Michelle unpack the science of collagen with clarity, warmth, and practical tips for everyday health enthusiasts. What You’ll Discover: Collagen benefits for skin, aging, and joints Choose between collagen supplements vs food sources Simple, effective diets and lifestyle strategies to support collagen naturally Evidence-based discussion on anti-aging nutrition Tune i...
May 13, 2025•41 min•Ep. 41
In this special cross‑podcast episode of Nutrition for Noobs , Michelle takes the mic on the Plant‑Based Canada podcast , chatting with host Stephanie Nishi about the power and potential of a plant‑centered lifestyle. Join them as they unpack evidence‑based insights on whole food, plant‑based eating, nutrition myths, and practical tips to fuel vibrant health. Episode Highlights Plant‑Based Nutrition 101 – What defines it, the science‑backed health benefits, and how it compares to standard diets....
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 40
Looking for easy pantry stocking tips , healthy pantry essentials , or ways to support a plant-forward lifestyle ? In Episode 39 of Nutrition for Noobs , Michelle and Kevin dive into “ Ideas for Stocking Your Pantry ”—perfect for simplifying grocery shopping, reducing meal prep stress, and cultivating long-lasting, nutritious kitchen staples. Discover how to build a balanced pantry full of whole grains , nutrient-rich staples , canned beans , nuts & seeds , spices , and healthy fats —all des...
Apr 15, 2025•31 min•Ep. 39
In this eye-opening episode, Michelle and Kevin dive into the surprising science behind emulsifiers in food and their impact on your gut health and microbiome . Inspired by a recent Wall Street Journal article and cutting-edge research from France and the U.S., they explore how common food additives —like carboxymethyl cellulose , polysorbate 80 , carrageenan , and xanthan gum —could be silently affecting your digestive health , increasing inflammation , and even contributing to chronic diseases...
Apr 01, 2025•32 min•Ep. 38
In this enlightening episode of Nutrition for Noobs , Kevin and Michelle dive deep into the salty truth behind one of the most common ingredients in our diets: salt . From Himalayan pink salt and kosher salt to Kala Namak and Hawaiian black volcanic salt , they explore the health claims, flavor profiles, and—most importantly—the iodine content (or lack thereof) in today’s trendy alternatives. Did you know that most processed foods and fancy salts lack the iodine your body needs to maintain thyro...
Mar 18, 2025•50 min•Ep. 37
Join Kevin (the nutrition noob) and Michelle (the holistic nutrition expert) for a heartwarming and insightful conversation with Chef Kim Sutherland, Manager of Nutrition & Wellness at Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario. In this episode, they explore the transformation of traditional “comfort food” within RMH—from satisfying cravings to nurturing healing. What you’ll learn: How RMH revamped their menus to engage families in thoughtful, balanced meals during stressful times Clever str...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 36
Dive into a delightful, bite-sized conversation with Kevin (our resident nutrition noob) and Michelle (Registered Holistic Nutritionist) as they unravel the truth behind chocolate ceremonies. In this bonus episode, with special guest María Mancini Cenobio from Mayana Cacao, they break down: What exactly is a “chocolate ceremony”? Are ceremonial cacao rituals powerful wellness tools, or just marketing hype? Nutrient breakdown: ceremonial cacao vs. everyday chocolate Potential health benefits—like...
Feb 25, 2025•30 min•Ep. 35
Join Kevin (our Nutrition Noob) and Michelle (the Registered Holistic Nutritionist) as they nerd out with special guest María Mancini Cenobio, who owns and operates Mayana Cacao, continuing their two-part deep dive into cacao, the "Food of the Gods." In this rich, flavorful episode, they unpack: Health Benefits of Quality Chocolate How cacao flavanols boost nitric oxide, aiding blood flow, reducing diabetes risk, and protecting heart and brain health Insights from the Kuna people and Harvard’s N...
Feb 18, 2025•45 min•Ep. 34
Dive deep into the fascinating world of cacao, chocolate, and superfoods in this enlightening episode with cacao expert Maria. Discover the rich history and varietals of cacao —from Criollo, Forastero, to Trinitario —and how terroir shapes the unique flavors of this ancient plant, much like fine tea . Learn about the difference between craft chocolate and industrial chocolate , and why sourcing ethically and sustainably matters for quality and the environment. Maria shares her passion for creati...
Feb 04, 2025•38 min•Ep. 33
In Episode 32 of Nutrition for Noobs , Kevin and Michelle revisit the biggest food trends of 2024 , exploring what truly stuck—and what fizzled out. They analyze: The real impact of plant-based eating , mindful of when it's beneficial and when it’s just hype The rise of food transparency , clean labels, and traceable sourcing in mainstream markets The comeback of heritage grains , fermented foods, and gut-friendly favorites Where veggie meats, adaptogens, and cold-brew coffee landed: innovation ...
Jan 21, 2025•46 min•Ep. 32
Episode 31 of Nutrition for Noobs marks an exciting return after our short hiatus! Hosts Michelle Pierce‑Hamilton (Holistic Nutritionist) and Kevin Harries (the noob) dive back into the podcast with: A recap of what’s been happening behind the scenes and why the break Fresh nutrition and wellness updates—new trends, research highlights, and practical tips What Michelle’s been exploring lately in holistic and plant-forward nutrition Kevin’s delicious experiments with gut‑friendly recipes, mindful...
Jan 07, 2025•44 min•Ep. 31
In this summer mini-episode of Nutrition for Noobs , Kevin goes solo to share his delicious, dairy-free, egg-free vegan Caesar salad dressing recipe —a perfect plant-based twist on a classic favourite. Learn how to make a creamy Caesar dressing using hummus, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and more. Plus, hear a quick summer dad joke, healthy eating encouragement, and tips for building your ultimate kale salad. Whether you're vegan, plant-curious, or just looking for a healthier C...
Sep 03, 2024•7 min•Ep. 30
In Episode 29 of Nutrition for Noobs , Michelle (the resident nutrition nerd) takes over as host and shares her top kitchen tools for stress‑free healthy cooking . Discover why a sharp culinary knife should be your first investment—then explore essential gadgets like avocado knives, microplanes, mandolins, air fryers, pressure cookers, salad spinners, and even veggie‑preserving containers. Whether you're just starting a whole‑foods journey or looking to simplify kitchen prep, you'll find practic...
Aug 20, 2024•18 min•Ep. 29
Hosts Michelle Pierce‑Hamilton and Kevin Harries unveil simple, creative plant-based ingredient substitutions for everyday cooking and baking: Dairy-free swaps : milk alternatives like oat, almond, and coconut plus yogurt and cheese options Egg replacements : flax and chia “eggs,” applesauce, mashed banana, and commercial binders Oil alternatives : applesauce, nut butters, mashed avocado, plant-based spreads Tips for texture & flavor : how to keep moisture, structure, and taste when replacin...
Aug 06, 2024•22 min•Ep. 28
In this 15‑minute summer short episode of Nutrition for Noobs , Michelle Pierce‑Hamilton (Registered Holistic Nutritionist) and Kevin Harries (Noob) tackle one of the most frustrating aspects of summer – hay fever, seasonal allergies, and how nutrition can help you finally breathe easier : Allergy symptom triggers : ragweed, pollen, itchy eyes, and sneezing explained Nutrition-focused coping strategies : anti-inflammatory foods, immune‑supporting nutrients, natural antihistamine powerhouses Holi...
Jul 23, 2024•15 min•Ep. 27
In this bite-sized Summer Shorts episode of Nutrition for Noobs , Kevin and Michelle dig into the surprising powerhouse that is nutritional yeast (aka nooch). Learn what it is, how it’s made, and why it’s beloved by plant-based eaters. Discover how nutritional yeast adds savoury umami flavour, boosts your B-vitamin intake—including B12—and works as a cheesy topping for popcorn, pasta, and more. Plus, classic dad jokes and parenting laughs along the way. Perfect for those curious about vegan nutr...
Jul 09, 2024•15 min•Ep. 26
Dive into Episode 25 of Nutrition for Noobs (a continuation of episode 24) as hosts Michelle Pierce‑Hamilton (RHN) and Kevin Harries explore Blue Zones —regions where people live exceptionally long, healthy lives—with a focus on the Power Nine lifestyle habits identified by Dan Buettner: Blue Zones deep dive : Learn what places like Okinawa, Sardinia, and Costa Rica share in common The Power Nine habits : Discover the nine cornerstone behaviors—from plant-forward eating and purpose-driven routin...
Jun 25, 2024•53 min•Ep. 25
In Episode 24 of Nutrition for Noobs , Kevin and holistic nutritionist Michelle dive into time-tested longevity insights from the world’s longest-lived communities—those studied by Alexander Leaf (via Healthy at 100 ) such as the Abkhazians, Vilcabambans, Hunzas, and Okinawans. Discover key foundations for a long, healthy life: The power of strong social bonds and respect for elders —“loneliness kills faster than cigarettes.” A whole-food, plant-predominant diet (≈ 2,000 kcal/day, <10 % anima...
Jun 11, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 24
Michelle answers a listener’s question about the nutritional differences among unrefined carbohydrates like white rice, brown rice, quinoa, and other whole grains. She explains why choosing unrefined grains is more important than obsessing over nutrient profiles and highlights the benefits of rotating a variety of whole grains for gut health and nutrient diversity. She also shares practical tips on batch cooking grains and meal prepping with vegetables to make healthy eating easier and more enjo...
May 28, 2024•22 min•Ep. 23
Are carbohydrates really the enemy? In Episode 22 of Nutrition for Noobs , 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 explain how low-carb diets may do more harm than good over tim...
May 14, 2024•42 min•Ep. 22
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 injuries . Plus, learn about the rise of quality non‑alcoholic beers, spirits, and mocktails , smart social s...
Apr 30, 2024•49 min•Ep. 21
In Episode 20 of Nutrition for Noobs , 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, applesauce for baking, and plant-based hacks for Indian dishes....
Apr 16, 2024•34 min•Ep. 20
In this episode of Nutrition for Noobs , hosts 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, consumer behaviour, and industry innovation. BYO Cr...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 19
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 milk, juice, and meat are no longer mandatory. Please subscribe and drop us a review—your feedback helps fellow noobs ...
Mar 19, 2024•32 min
In this episode of Nutrition for Noobs , hosts Kevin and Michelle reconnect after a six-week hiatus. 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 a personal glimpse into Michelle's ad...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 18
Confused about the difference between vegan, vegetarian, plant-based, and whole food plant-based diets? You’re not alone! In this episode, 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—not just exclusion. Whether you're just starting your plant-based journey or lookin...
Feb 20, 2024•30 min•Ep. 17
In this episode of Nutrition for Noobs , 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 overall wellness. Whether you're a casual tea drinker or a heal...
Feb 06, 2024•25 min•Ep. 16
