Ep 100: The Proof is in The Plants with Simon Hill

 
 
 
 

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Ep 100: The Proof is in The Plants with Simon Hill

Episode 100: Show Notes

The never-ending dietary debates can make getting the right information about what you should be eating seem like an insurmountable challenge. But while nutrition is a complex and evolving field of study, choosing a healthy and ethical diet does not have to be impossible.

This is the message that our guest today, Simon Hill, wants to bring to the world. Simon is the author of The Proof is in the Plants, and the host of The Proof podcast, through which he aims to educate people on the science around a plant-based diet, while also reviving popular understanding and appreciation for the scientific method.

This work emerged out of Simon's own journey with nutrition and veganism, and we get to hear all about his story in today's conversation, with Simon doing a great job of bringing this personal narrative into the global context of issues such as heart disease, and climate change.

So to hear it all from our great guest, listen in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

  • A clarification of Simon's main ideas behind his work, his book, and a healthy diet.

  • Simon's early memories of his father's scientific papers and research.

  • The philosophical approach that Simon's father instilled in him and his brother at a young age.

  • Simon's father's heart attack and the message that this experience delivered.

  • The decision that Simon made to not attend medical school, and the context for his mindset at the time.

  • Why Simon later chose to follow an academic route into the science of nutrition.

  • The influence of Simon's brother's dietary adjustments.

  • A basic idea from Simon which illustrates the complexity of nutrition science studies.

  • How Simon compiled his findings as he started collecting useful research.

  • Why DIY research into specialist fields such as nutrition is usually not advisable.

  • Simon's avatar for his content; how his mother has remained an inspiration for what he does.

  • Recounting Simon's personal journey with veganism.

  • The expanding understanding of the ways in which a plant-based diet is beneficial for the planet.

  • The top-down approach that Simon believes is necessary for meaningful change.

  • Dangers associated with industry-funded research and how to evaluate this.

  • Simple steps for individuals to take in leveling up their understanding of their physiology.

  • Resource recommendations from Simon for anyone with existing concerns.

  • Simon's thoughts on what differentiates his book from other plant-based content.

  • The continued mission that Simon has tasked himself with, regarding the appreciation of science.

  • What success means to Simon these days, and how it has evolved over time.


Tweetables:

“I had this real curiosity for nutrition particularly having come across some information that suggested that the way we eat can really affect our risk of cardiovascular disease.” — @theproof [0:22:17]

“I had this brewing curiosity to go away and learn about nutrition at a deeper level and then hopefully become a more rounded health professional.” — @theproof [0:32:06]

“It's not knowing what to do, it's doing what we know.” — @theproof [0:47:19]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Light Watkins

The Proof

Simon Hill on Twitter

The Proof is in the Plants

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bliss More

Knowing Where to Look

The Happiness Insiders Community