Nutrition for Noobs

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 ...

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 storin...

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 aci...

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 collage...

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 s...

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 b...

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, increasin...

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 ...

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 f...

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: cere...

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 ...

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 qua...

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 ve...

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 nutritio...

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.

Whet...

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...

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 & fla...

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, immu...

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 ...