In this powerful solo episode of Plant-Based Curious, host Diane Randall, M.A. CHC, merges raw personal storytelling with groundbreaking science to reveal how food rewires mental health. Struggling with chronic fatigue, brain fog, and a near Crohn’s diagnosis in her 30s while juggling tech career chaos and single motherhood, Diane shares her transformative pivot to plant-based eating—and how it saved her mind and body.
Science You’ll Geek Out Over:
How chronic inflammation from processed foods fuels depression/anxiety (and the 2022 study proving plants fight it).
Why dopamine receptors hate cheese (and love lentils + berries) for sustained energy.
Underrated Brain Heroes:
- Zinc (hello, pumpkin seeds!) for neurotransmitter magic.
- Vitamin C in bell peppers to boost serotonin.
- Polyphenol powerhouses like dark chocolate that cross the blood-brain barrier.
Actionable Bites You Can’t Skip:
- Diane’s 50% Plate Rule for instant meal upgrades.
- Why swapping coffee for chamomile tea might save your afternoon.
- Brain Bowl Recipe: Sweet potato + tahini dressing = serotonin heaven.
Why Listen?
- Relatable AF: Diane’s burnout-to-breakthrough journey mirrors your struggles.
- No Fluff, Just Science: Cutting-edge studies made deliciously simple.
- Your Weekly Challenge: Add one antioxidant-rich food (think turmeric or berries) and share your creation with the community!
Perfect for anyone battling stress, mental fog, or burnout—this episode serves equal parts hope, strategy, and “aha!” moments.
Tag a friend who needs a brain boost!
Follow Plant-Based Curious for more episodes on eating your way to a brighter mind and resilient body.
Ready to Take Your Plant-Based Journey to the Next Level?
Let this episode be your starting point! Dive deeper with our free resources and supportive community designed to help you thrive.
Get Your Free Tools:
Grab our FREE GUIDE—your starter kit for plant-based success. It’s packed with plant-based lifestyle, hoslistic wellness tools and simple tips.
Find Your Community:
Join our Plant-Based Curious Group Coaching for ongoing motivation, live Q&As, recipes, and a community that's rooting for you.
Continue Your Learning:
Explore our Workshops, Blog Posts, and Resource Library for expert knowledge that grows with you.
Grab the Ultimate Guide:
For a complete roadmap, get your copy of "A Whole Life Nourished: Plant-Based Living with a Holistic Approach." It’s everything you need in one place.
Your healthiest, happiest life starts here. Let’s make it happen together!
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Bobby Bones Show
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.