Changing Plates

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 linksWebsite:foodculturealliance.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-monterrosa/Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Changing Plates, we’re joined by Ella Marshall and Sami Simreen - two innovators shaping the future of food. Sami is the co-founder of KiCo Kitchen, a sustainable and inclusive co-working kitchen, while Ella works at Nali Consulting, where they focus on the intersection of food systems and innovation, helping early-stage businesses move from idea to impact.Together, they explore what “food innovation” really means beyond the buzzword and share insights for start-ups finding their footing. From novel ingredients to lessons learned from entrepreneurs, we discuss how collaboration and creativity can help new ideas take shape.Tune in for an inspiring look at the role innovation plays in shaping more sustainable, diverse and delicious food futures.Episode links:Kico: www.kico.kitchenNali Consulting: www.naliconsulting.co.ukInstagram: www.instagram.com/kico.kitchen/LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/company/kico-kitchen/www.linkedin.com/company/naliconsultingwww.linkedin.com/in/sami-simreen/www.linkedin.com/in/ella-marshall-a34766153Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Changing Plates, we’re joined by Liz Shaw MS RDN CPT, a nutrition communicator, science translator and storyteller, for a conversation on how credible food messaging can cut through the wellness noise. Drawing on her experience across media, brand work and writing, Liz shares how the way we talk about food influences daily choices, what it takes to build trust with a skeptical audience, and how to navigate the rapid spread of misinformation online. We also explore how cultural context shapes food systems, communication and the way we think about health.Episode linksShaw’s Simple Swaps Website: shawsimpleswaps.comInstagram: @shawsimpleswaps LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethshawmsrdn/ Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Changing Plates, we’re joined by Barbara Bray MBE - a registered nutritionist, food safety expert, and PhD researcher at Queen’s University Belfast - for a conversation on what it means to eat well as we age.Barbara shares insights from her research on the dietary habits of older adults in the UK and explains why the gap between what we do eat and what we should eat as we grow older has never been more urgent. We unpack the difference between age span and health span, challenge common myths around aging and nutrition, and explore how food systems can better support longevity, equity, and accessibility for older populations.Tune in for an evidence-based look at how we can all shape a healthier future.Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Changing Plates, Heidi Kessler, Deputy Director of the Global Child Nutrition Foundation (GCNF), joins us to discuss how school meal programs are transforming health, education, and local economies around the world.Heidi shares insights from GCNF’s Global Survey of School Meal Programs©, highlights the impact of home-grown school feeding, and explores how these programs support gender equity and community resilience. We also touch on Japan’s Shokuiku model of food education and look ahead to the future of school meals following the 2024 Global Child Nutrition Forum.Tune in for a hopeful, thought-provoking conversation about how nourishing children today helps shape a better tomorrow.Episode linksWebsite: gcnf.orgGlobal Survey of School Meal Programs©: gcnf.org/global-surveyGlobal Child Nutrition Forum: gcnf.org/events/forum/Newsletter: bit.ly/GCNFNewsletterHave questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Changing Plates, we explore how employee wellbeing is transforming workplaces - and why it's essential for both health and business. Our guest, Macy Chow, a registered dietitian and employee wellbeing expert, shares her journey into dietetics and discusses the growing impact of nutrition at work.From cultural insights in Hong Kong to global best practices, Macy unpacks how companies can implement effective workplace wellness programs, boost employee engagement, and drive performance through better health. We also explore the future of corporate wellness trends, including innovative strategies to encourage healthier eating on the job.Tune in for a concise, insightful conversation about why investing in workplace wellbeing leads to healthier teams and stronger businesses.Have questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Changing Plates, Ro Huntriss, a registered dietitian and Chief Nutrition Officer at Simple App, shares her insights on the role of health tech in transforming weight management. From wearable devices to breakthrough medications, Ro dives into the science behind sustainable weight loss and how health tech is supporting individuals in their wellness journey. We also discuss the future of weight management, the growing influence of tech in healthcare and how we can ensure technology is used responsibly to support long-term well-being. Don’t miss this exciting conversation about the intersection of health, tech and weight loss!Episode linksWebsite: https://simple.life/Instagram: @dietitianroHave questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

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! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

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! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

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! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

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 linksInstagram: @nicsnutrition and @mummynutritionHow Not to Eat Ultra-Processed book: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/464201/how-not-to-eat-ultra-processed-by-ludlam-raine-nichola/9781529940114Bancil, 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.pdfUK Government research and analysis on ultra-processed foods: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ultra-processed-food-upfs/ultra-processed-food-htmlHave questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

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 linksFood Campus Berlin Vitamin C NewsletterWomen in Climate Tech EUHave questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

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 linksWebsite: optimysenutrition.com Newsletter: mailchi.mp/1fa6950ed824/free-educational-contentLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/leta-pilicInstagram: @optimyse_nutritionHave questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

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 linksWebsite: dieteticallyspeaking.comEmpowered Group Programme: dieteticallyspeaking.com/empowered-programmeInstagram: @dieteticallyspeakingHave questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

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 linksWebsite: nationalceliac.orgHave questions, comments or stories to share? We’d love to hear from you! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]

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! Instagram: changingplates_podcast LinkedIn: bit.ly/3YnA3Pl Website: bit.ly/3zVz67B Email: [email protected]