Nutritionist Review of Netflix’s You Are What You Eat Docuseries

In a world where diet and health are increasingly at the forefront of public discourse, Netflix’s You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment offers a unique perspective on this vital topic. This docuseries, centered around a compelling study involving identical twins on different diets, has become a topic of much debate. Some viewers are captivated by its approach, while others approach it with skepticism. It’s a series that doesn’t just inform; it sparks conversation and sometimes controversy, highlighting the diverse and often personal reactions to discussions about diet and health.

I’m Sasha Aparicio, and my fascination lies in how health professionals and organizations can effectively communicate to positively impact individual, community, and even national health. With a background in nutritional anthropology and a Master’s in Food and Nutrition, I bring a keen interest in understanding the complex interplay between diet, culture, and health. As someone deeply involved in health communication and education, particularly with the American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA), I’ve dedicated myself to creating educational content that bridges the gap between scientific research and practical health advice.

In this exploration of You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment, I’ll be sharing insights drawn from my professional experience and personal reflections. We’ll look at the series through a critical lens, examining its narrative, the strengths and limitations of its approach, and what it means for our understanding of nutrition and health.

First, we’ll do an overview of the docuseries, including a summary of each episode. If you’ve seen the series, feel free to skip this and jump straight to my review and takeaways.

Get Your Free Guide to Becoming a Holistic Nutritionist

Learn about the important role of holistic nutritionists, what it takes to be successful as one, and how to build a lucrative, impactful career in nutrition.

Overview of You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment

You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment is a compelling 2024 American docuseries on Netflix, centered around an innovative 8-week study by Stanford University. The study enlists 22 sets of genetically identical twins to explore the impact of diet on various health markers, using the unique approach of controlling for genetics. While the series closely follows four pairs of twins, it enriches the narrative by incorporating perspectives from a diverse array of experts, farmers, chefs, and advocates. This approach adds depth and context to the study, offering a multifaceted view of nutrition and health. From the outset, the docuseries seems to advocate for the benefits of a plant-based diet, setting the tone for the episodes that follow.

Who Are the Twins?

The docuseries focuses on four pairs of twins, each with their own unique backgrounds and motivations for participating in the study:

• Carolyn and Rosalyn: Seeking to increase Filipino representation in scientific research.
• Pam and Wendy: South African chefs with a culinary perspective.
• John and Jevon: Nursing students and fitness enthusiasts.
• Michael and Charlie: Owners of a cheese business, facing dietary challenges.

Whose Voices Do We Hear Throughout the Docuseries?

Below are some of the people interviewed throughout the docuseries:

Experts in Nutrition and Health:

• Christopher Gardner: Leads the Stanford Nutrition Study, providing key insights into the study’s design and findings.
• Irwin Goldstein: Physician and director at San Diego Sexual Medicine, leading the sexual health portion of the study.
• Erica Sonnenburg: A microbiome scientist from Stanford University, discussing the impact of diet on gut health.
• Lucia Aronica: An epigenetics specialist at Stanford University, providing insights into the relationship between diet, genetics, and epigenetics.
• Dr. Michael Greger, Marion Nestle, and Nicole Avena: Discussing the health risks associated with excessive animal product consumption.
• Nimai Delgado: A lacto/vegetarian professional bodybuilder, offering perspectives on building muscle on a plant-based diet.
• Ayesha and Dean Sherzai: Neurologists discussing the impact of diet on cognitive health.

Advocates and Activists:

• Cory Booker: U.S. Senator discussing the impact of food choices on health, society, and the environment.
• Sherri White-Williamson: Lawyer and environmental justice activist, addressing the negative impacts of confined animal feeding operations.
• Don Staniford: Researcher and activist campaigning against salmon farming, highlighting environmental and health concerns.
• Leah Garces: CEO of Mercy for Animals, working on alternative farming practices like mushroom farming.
• Shakara Tyler: of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, working to reclaim equal access to culturally-relevant plant foods.
• Eric Adams: Mayor of New York City, sharing his experience of managing Type 2 diabetes through diet and lifestyle changes.

Farmers and Chefs:

• Thomas Locke: A regenerative cattle rancher discussing sustainable farming practices.
• Danielle Daguio: From Keep Growing Detroit Farm, providing insights into urban farming and access to fresh foods.
• Daniel Humm: Chef and owner of Eleven Madison Park, sharing his experience transitioning to a plant-based menu.
• Craig Watts: A former chicken farmer who transitioned to mushroom farming, reflecting on the emotional impact of factory farming.

You Are What You Eat Episode Recap

Episode 1: Setting the Stage for a Nutritional Journey

Introduction to the Study and Participants

Episode 1 of You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment serves as an engaging introduction to the groundbreaking study conducted by Stanford University. The episode begins by outlining the study’s premise: an 8-week nutritional experiment involving 22 sets of genetically identical twins, each pair assigned to either a plant-based or omnivorous diet. This unique approach aims to control for genetic variables, allowing a clearer understanding of how diet alone can impact various health markers. The episode focuses particularly on four pairs of twins, each with distinct backgrounds and motivations. Carolyn and Rosalyn participate to increase Filipino representation in scientific research, highlighting the intersection of culture and nutrition. Pam and Wendy, South African chefs, bring a culinary perspective, while John and Jevon, nursing students and fitness enthusiasts, offer insights into health and wellness. Lastly, Michael and Charlie, owners of a cheese business, face the challenge of adapting their diets in a cheese-centric lifestyle.

Expert Insights and Cultural Perspectives

The episode is enriched with insights from a range of experts, adding scientific depth to the narrative. Christopher Gardner, leading the Stanford Nutrition Study, introduces the study’s methodology and goals. The episode also features Cory Booker, discussing the broader societal impacts of food choices, and Dean Sherzai, who contrasts the lifespans of populations in San Bernardino and Loma Linda, CA, to illustrate the profound effects of diet on health. A significant part of the episode is dedicated to exploring the cultural aspects of diet. Carolyn and Rosalyn discuss the evolution of the Filipino diet, shedding light on how traditional plant-based meals have shifted towards a more pork-centric cuisine. This cultural exploration is further deepened by the inclusion of Miyoko Schinner, a plant-based dairy innovator, who discusses the challenges and importance of creating appealing plant-based cheese alternatives. The episode also touches on the ethical considerations of diet, concluding with a visit to a chicken farmer, introducing the moral complexities inherent in the industrial farming industry.

In this first episode, the docuseries sets a robust foundation, introducing key themes such as the influence of diet on overall health, the interplay of genetics and lifestyle, and the broader societal and ethical implications of our food choices. It establishes a narrative that is both scientifically informative and deeply human, highlighting the personal stories and cultural backgrounds of the participants.

Episode 2: Exploring Challenges and Diverse Perspectives

Introduction of New Study Elements and Twin Experiences

Episode 2 of You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment adds intriguing layers to the study, introducing a pilot study on the impact of diet on arousal. This new dimension offers a deeper understanding of how dietary choices can influence various aspects of health and well-being. As the twins embark on their dietary journeys, the episode captures their mix of successes and struggles, providing a realistic portrayal of the challenges involved in adhering to strict dietary guidelines. The episode also delves into the personal stories of the twins, such as John and Jevon calling on their vegan friend Kaela for recipe assistance, highlighting the importance of community support in dietary transitions.

Expert Contributions and Ethical Considerations

The episode features Irwin Goldstein, a physician and director at San Diego Sexual Medicine, who leads the sexual health portion of the study, adding a unique perspective on the relationship between diet and sexual health. The narrative is further enriched by the introduction of Eric Adams, Mayor of New York City, who shares his personal journey of managing Type 2 diabetes through significant lifestyle changes. His story, while inspiring, is met with caution, as it highlights the complexities of managing chronic diseases and the importance of medical guidance in making health decisions.

Industry Influences and Environmental Impacts

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the influence of industry on dietary guidelines and public health. Experts like Dr. Michael Greger, author of How Not to Die, and Marion Nestle offer insights into how industry lobbying has shaped dietary recommendations, drawing parallels to the tactics used by the tobacco industry. The episode also explores the ecological impacts of the industrial livestock system, including its effects on greenhouse gas emissions, rainforests, and animal welfare. Thomas Locke, a regenerative cattle rancher, provides a contrasting perspective, discussing sustainable farming practices.

Culinary Innovations and Social Justice

The episode showcases culinary innovations, with Pam and Wendy sharing insights into South African cuisine and its adaptation to different dietary practices. Additionally, the episode touches on social justice issues related to food, featuring Sherri White-Williamson, an environmental justice activist, who discusses the adverse effects of confined animal feeding operations on neighboring communities.

Episode 2 expands the scope of the docuseries, exploring not only the personal experiences of the twins but also the broader societal, ethical, and environmental implications of dietary choices. It offers a multifaceted view of the impact of diet on health, lifestyle, and the planet, making it a compelling and informative part of the series.

Episode 3: Navigating Dietary Adjustments and Addressing Food Inequity

Transition to Self-Cooking and Dietary Challenges

In Episode 3 of You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment, the twins face the significant challenge of cooking their own meals after the initial four weeks of receiving prepared meals. This shift marks a crucial phase in the study, testing their ability to maintain their respective diets under more realistic, everyday conditions. The episode captures the varying degrees of success and difficulty each twin pair experiences, reflecting the complexities and realities of significant dietary changes. For instance, John and Jevon seek help from their vegan friend Kaela for recipe ideas, illustrating the importance of support networks and shared knowledge in navigating new dietary landscapes.

Exploring the Impacts of Industrial Farming

The episode delves deeper into the maladies of the industrial farming industry, focusing on chicken and cattle farming’s impact on animal welfare and human health. A segment featuring food safety consultant Dan Holzer highlights the risks associated with raw chicken, including pathogenic bacteria. This is illustrated through a cooking test with Rosalyn and Carolyn, designed to demonstrate the ease of cross-contamination and the potential health risks from improperly handled chicken.

Addressing Food Inequity and Environmental Concerns

Episode 3 also addresses broader issues of food inequity and environmental impact. Danielle Daguio from Keep Growing Detroit Farm and Nezaa Bandele, a chef and community health educator, shed light on the systemic barriers that limit access to healthy foods in certain communities, a phenomenon often described as food apartheid. The episode features Shakara Tyler of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, discussing initiatives to provide culturally relevant foods and address the marginalization of Black communities in food access.

The environmental impact of the fishing industry is another key theme, with discussions on the detrimental effects of overfishing on ocean wildlife and the differences between farmed and wild salmon. Activist Don Staniford provides insights into the salmon farming industry, highlighting several issues, though some statements are more for shock value than scientific accuracy.

Cultural Significance of Food

A poignant aspect of the episode is the emphasis on the cultural and emotional significance of food. Michael and Charlie discuss the challenges of adopting a plant-based diet and the importance of enjoying the food you eat. Miyoko Schinner, a plant-based dairy innovator, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of taste in food. This segment resonates with the idea that food is not just about nourishment but also about tradition, emotions, and culture.

Episode 3 of the docuseries broadens the narrative to include significant issues like food safety, environmental impacts, and cultural aspects of eating, while continuing to track the twins’ personal dietary journeys. This episode underscores the complexity of nutrition, not just as a health issue but as an integral part of our social and environmental fabric.

Episode 4: Revealing Study Results and Embracing Plant-Based Innovations

Unveiling the Study’s Findings

Episode 4 of You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment marks a pivotal moment as the results of the eight-week study are revealed to the twins. This episode focuses on the comprehensive analysis of their body composition, gut and brain health, and other health markers. Fitness expert Nimoy prefaces the results by noting that both vegan and omnivore groups were expected to lose fat and gain muscle, provided they consumed enough calories and protein. The outcomes vary among the twins, with some, like John and Jevon, achieving notable success in their health goals, while others, like Pam and Wendy, face perplexing results due to challenges in adhering to the diet and training program. The episode thoughtfully discusses the nuances of diet culture, emphasizing the importance of adequate nutrition for physical health and fitness.

Plant-Based Movement in the Food Industry

The episode also highlights the burgeoning plant-based movement within the food industry. Innovators like Nil Zacharias of Plantega and Pat Bron of Impossible Foods are featured, showcasing their efforts to create delicious, plant-based alternatives to traditional animal products. Their work emphasizes the importance of taste, affordability, and convenience in making plant-based diets more accessible and appealing. The episode provides a glimpse into UC Berkeley’s alt-meat class, where students like James Wang and Isha Ukani are at the forefront of plant-based innovation, developing products like plant-based eggs.

Personal Stories and Industry Trends

The narrative weaves in personal stories and broader industry trends. The chefs at Eleven Madison Park discuss their transition to a plant-based menu, initially met with skepticism but eventually finding success and acclaim. Craig Watts, a former chicken farmer, shares his emotional journey away from factory farming towards mushroom cultivation in collaboration with Leah Garces of Mercy for Animals. These stories reflect a growing trend towards plant-based farming and the potential for significant shifts in the food industry.

Legal and Social Justice Aspects

The episode touches on the legal and social justice aspects of food production, featuring the story of Lendora, who successfully filed a nuisance case against a neighboring hog farm. This segment highlights the often-overlooked impact of industrial farming on local communities and the growing legal recognition of these issues.

Study Results and Post-Study Reflections

As you would likely expect in a docuseries, not all of the study results were shared. Nonetheless, the study’s results shared in episode 4 are still intriguing: no significant difference in cognition, a notable increase in bifidobacterium in the vegan diet, a drop in LDL cholesterol in the vegan group, and changes in TMAO levels and telomere length suggesting potential health benefits of a plant-based diet. The episode concludes with the twins reflecting on their experiences and the impact of the study on their post-study life and dietary choices. Charlie’s closing thoughts underscore the challenge of changing dietary habits and the role of lifestyle in shaping food choices, which is where my mind went as I finished watching this series as well.

Episode 4 provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking conclusion to the docuseries, combining scientific findings with personal narratives and industry insights. It highlights the potential health benefits of a plant-based diet and the growing momentum of plant-based innovations, offering a hopeful glimpse into the future of food and health.

What Does the Study Actually Say?

Whether you’ve been captivated by the docuseries You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment, are contemplating bypassing the series after digesting the major spoilers in this review, or simply prefer a direct dive into the scientific underpinnings, there’s a scientist in me eager to bridge the gap between the entertainment value of the docuseries and the empirical research on which it is based. The docuseries, while engaging and enlightening, is ultimately a form of popular media, designed to captivate a broad audience. It weaves scientific research with personal narratives, expert opinions, and societal implications, creating a tapestry that’s as much about human experience as it is about the science of nutrition. Not to mention, it’s not exactly objective. While some reviewers will call it biased (I’ll call it foreshadowing) even in the first couple of minutes of the first episode there is no question that the vegan diet is going to look like the winner in what seems like are two dietary patterns being pitted against one another.

Nonetheless, for those of us with a thirst for the empirical roots of these discussions, the actual study that inspired the docuseries offers a more focused and detailed exploration of the impact of diet on health, particularly when comparing plant-based (vegan) and omnivorous diets among identical twins.

Stanford Study Summary

The study on which the docuseries is based was conducted by Stanford University with 22 pairs of identical twins and published in JAMA in 2023. Over an eight-week period, these twins were split into two dietary paths: one group followed a vegan diet, while the other adhered to an omnivorous diet. The brilliance of using identical twins lies in the control of genetic variables, allowing a clearer lens to view how diet alone impacts various health markers.

Ethically sound and meticulously designed, the study was divided into two phases: the first four weeks involved provided meals, ensuring dietary adherence, followed by four weeks where participants prepared their own meals. The primary focus was on the changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, a key marker for cardiovascular health. Secondary outcomes included changes in body weight, fasting insulin levels, and other cardiometabolic factors.

So, what were the findings? Quite significant, it turns out. The vegan diet group showed notable improvements in LDL-C levels, fasting insulin, and weight loss compared to their omnivorous counterparts. These results were consistent even when the participants started preparing their own meals. However, the study revealed an interesting twist: despite the health benefits, the vegan group reported lower diet satisfaction compared to the omnivorous group. This highlights an essential aspect of dietary changes: enjoyment and sustainability are key to long-term adherence.

In essence, this study adds a valuable piece to the puzzle of nutrition science, suggesting that plant-based diets can offer significant cardiometabolic advantages. Yet, it also underscores the importance of balancing health benefits with personal preferences and lifestyle considerations. It’s a reminder that the journey to health through diet is not just about the nutrients we consume but also about the enjoyment and satisfaction we derive from our food choices.

My Personal Review of Netflix’sYou Are What You Eat as a Nutrition Professional

Appreciating You Are What You Eat: A Personal Perspective

As someone who’s spent a good chunk of the last decade immersed in the worlds of nutritional anthropology, public health, health communication, and health and nutrition behavior and coaching, I couldn’t help but watch You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment with an eye that’s both critical and appreciative. This docuseries isn’t just another show; it’s a deep dive into how our diets impact our health. But, as with everything you see with a social science lens, there’s more to it than what meets the eye. And that’s where my background comes into play, giving me a somewhat unique perspective to reflect on the series. It’s important to note that these views are my own and not necessarily representative of the American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA).

Now, let’s talk about this docuseries. I’m keen on pointing out what it does well – and trust me, there are quite a few things it nails, especially when it comes to sparking conversations about nutrition and health. But, like most things, it’s not without its flaws. There are spots where it could’ve dug deeper or maybe taken a different route to really beef up its story and the educational bits. And let’s be clear, my focus here is on the docuseries itself – how it takes the study’s findings and serves them up for all of us to digest – not on the study, which is a solid piece of research on its own.

In breaking down the docuseries, I’m looking at how it spins its tale, how it brings in a variety of voices and tackles some pretty hefty nutrition topics. My goal is to give you a well-rounded, yet critical view. I’m all about giving credit where it’s due for the series’ role in shining a light on nutrition and health. But I’m also not shy about pointing out where there’s room for growth, hoping that future projects like this can cast an even wider, more inclusive net.

Strengths of Netflix’s You Are What You Eat: A Rich Tapestry of Perspectives and Human Experience

Diverse Perspectives

One of the docuseries’ strengths is its inclusion of various voices – from advocates and farmers to industry innovators, academics, and physicians. This diversity enriches the narrative, providing a well-rounded view of the topic.

Experiences of the Twins

The diversity in the experiences of the twins followed in the docuseries adds depth and relatability. Each pair brings their unique story, making the series more engaging.

Unique Study Design

The use of identical twins in the study is a clever approach. Despite the study’s small scale, the twins act as their own controls, adding a unique dimension to the research.

Human Dimension

The series excellently portrays the human aspect of adhering to a diet and changing dietary patterns. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the people, their struggles, and their triumphs.

Environmental Impact

The integration of the environmental consequences of current animal food product trends is compelling. The visuals and narratives around this theme are particularly striking and thought-provoking.

Emphasis on Body Composition Over Weight

A commendable aspect of the docuseries is its focus on body composition rather than solely on body weight. This approach aligns with a more holistic understanding of health, recognizing the importance of muscle mass and the risks associated with visceral fat. These are critical health indicators that cannot be gauged by weight alone. However, the challenge of maintaining or raising muscle mass on a plant-based diet, which is a significant consideration, seemed to be somewhat understated in the series.

Addressing Food Justice

The docuseries commendably integrates discussions on food justice, a crucial aspect often overlooked in mainstream conversations about diet and nutrition. By bringing attention to issues like food apartheid and the systemic barriers that limit access to healthy foods in certain communities, the series adds a layer of social consciousness to the narrative.

Reclaiming Plant Foods in Communities

The series shines a light on inspiring initiatives aimed at reclaiming the cultural significance of plant foods, particularly in marginalized communities. It features efforts like those in Detroit, a place close to my heart, where community leaders and activists are working tirelessly to ensure access to culturally relevant, plant-based foods. This focus not only acknowledges the historical and ongoing challenges faced by these communities but also celebrates their resilience and creativity in re-establishing connections with healthy, traditional diets.

Limitations of the Docuseries: Areas for Improvement

Perceived Bias Towards Veganism

The docuseries seems to continuously advocate for the vegan diet, which might not resonate with those firmly set in their omnivorous ways. This one-sided portrayal could potentially alienate a segment of the audience.

Restrictive View of Vegan Diet

The portrayal of the vegan diet as restrictive is a missed opportunity. More voices from individuals who follow a vegan or plant-based diet as a lifestyle with different levels of “strictness” could have added balance and shown the diet’s diversity and flexibility.

Dichotomy of Diet Choices

The series tends to pit omnivore against vegan diets, which oversimplifies the spectrum of plant-based eating. The reality is more nuanced, with various degrees of plant-based diets that can still offer health benefits without completely eliminating animal products.

Oversimplification of ‘Healthy’ Diets

The docuseries communicates the notion that vegan automatically equals healthy, which is misleading. A vegan diet can also be unbalanced or unhealthy if it relies heavily on processed foods or lacks essential nutrients. The distinction between ‘healthy vegan’ and ‘healthy omnivore’ diets, clearly made in the study, is somewhat blurred in the series.

Lack of Clarity on ‘Healthy Omnivore’

The series doesn’t sufficiently explain what constitutes a ‘healthy omnivore’ diet. As a nutritional anthropologist, I recognize that the understanding of ‘healthy’ can vary widely, and the series could have done more to clarify this.

Cultural Context and Food Sovereignty

While the series touches on the theme of food sovereignty and cultural integration of plant-based eating, it only scratches the surface. There’s a larger conversation to be had about applying plant-based eating across cultures and the necessary policy changes to make plant-based foods more accessible and culturally relevant.

Potential Gap in Nutritional Education

While it might have occurred but wasn’t highlighted in the docuseries (and isn’t evident in the study), a more comprehensive nutritional education session at the beginning of the study could have been beneficial. Such education could have enhanced the twins’ adherence to their respective diets and provided them with a deeper understanding of the science and nutritional composition of the foods they were consuming. This educational component is crucial for informed dietary choices and could have added another layer of depth to the participants’ experiences and the audience’s understanding.

Lack of Emphasis on Personalized Nutrition

A notable limitation in the docuseries is the minimal acknowledgment of personalized nutrition. The narrative could have benefited from highlighting that dietary needs and responses vary greatly among individuals. The absence of a discussion on the ‘one-size-does-not-fit-all’ concept in nutrition is a missed opportunity. Humans are diverse, and so should be their diets. This aspect is crucial in understanding that while plant-based diets can be beneficial, they need to be tailored to individual health needs, preferences, and cultural backgrounds.

Absence of Public Health Voices

The docuseries lacks the presence of public health experts who could discuss integrating this knowledge into policy and public health initiatives. The inclusion of such voices could have provided valuable insights into what systemic changes are needed to incorporate these dietary findings into broader health recommendations and policies. This perspective is essential for understanding how individual dietary choices are influenced by and can influence public health guidelines and food policies.

Questioning Scalability and Broader Impact

While the study’s design and findings are intriguing, the docuseries falls short in discussing how these insights can be scaled up and applied more broadly. It leaves viewers with limited guidance on how to translate the study’s findings into actionable steps in their own lives or in larger community settings. The series could have explored potential pathways for applying these findings on a larger scale, making the insights more relevant and impactful for a wider audience.

Polarizing Language 

Some of the language used by experts in the series is polarizing and shaming, which might turn off viewers who are undecided or new to the concept of plant-based eating.

My Takeaways as a Nutrition Professional

You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment emerges as a thought-provoking docuseries, skillfully weaving together a rich tapestry of perspectives from advocates, farmers, industry innovators, and academics. It commendably highlights the human dimension of dietary choices and the environmental impact of current food trends. The unique inclusion of identical twins in the study design adds a fascinating layer to the narrative, emphasizing the importance of body composition over mere body weight – a crucial aspect often overshadowed in mainstream health discussions.

However, the series exhibits certain limitations. Its apparent bias towards a vegan diet from the outset may not resonate with those firmly rooted in omnivorous diets, potentially alienating a segment of the audience. The portrayal of veganism leans towards being restrictive, and the series misses the opportunity to showcase the diversity and flexibility of plant-based diets. Furthermore, the dichotomy created between vegan and omnivore diets oversimplifies the spectrum of plant-based eating, neglecting the nuanced reality that plant-based diets can exist in various forms and degrees.

As a nutritional anthropologist and health behavior specialist, I value the series for initiating crucial conversations about nutrition and health. However, I observe gaps in its narrative, particularly in terms of dietary diversity, personalized nutrition, and the broader cultural and policy implications of adopting plant-based diets. The series could have benefited from a more in-depth exploration of these aspects, including a stronger focus on nutritional education at the study’s outset to improve adherence and understanding. Additionally, the lack of public health voices to discuss policy integration of these dietary insights is a notable omission.

In essence, while You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment takes significant strides in raising awareness about diet, health, and sustainability, it represents just the beginning of a much larger, more nuanced conversation. There’s a wealth of potential for future explorations in this field to provide more balanced, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive views on nutrition and its role in our lives.

A Note from AFPA: Want to Learn More? Holistic Nutrition, Wellness, and Plant-Based Perspectives

Are you intrigued by the insights and discussions sparked by You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment? Do you find yourself curious about how holistic nutrition principles can be applied to the findings of the docuseries? At the American Fitness Professionals Association (AFPA), we believe in empowering individuals with comprehensive knowledge that bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and practical, everyday health practices.

To delve deeper into the world of holistic nutrition and wellness, and to explore the vast landscape of plant-based nutrition, we invite you to explore our range of specialized courses. Each course is designed to provide you with a thorough understanding of these topics, equipping you with the tools to make informed decisions about your health and the health of those you may guide as a coach or educator.

• Certified Holistic Nutritionist Course: This course offers a deep dive into holistic nutrition, emphasizing the interconnectedness of diet, lifestyle, and overall well-being. Learn more about the Holistic Nutritionist Certification.
• Certified Health and Wellness Coach Course: Ideal for those looking to guide others on their wellness journey, this course covers various aspects of health coaching, from client motivation to creating personalized wellness plans. Discover the Health and Wellness Coach Certification.
• Plant-Based Nutrition Specialist Course: Explore the nutritional, environmental, and ethical aspects of plant-based diets and learn how to incorporate these principles into practical dietary advice. Explore the Plant-Based Nutrition Specialist Certification.
• Gut Health Nutrition Specialist Course: Delve into the critical role of gut health in overall wellness, understanding the science behind gut microbiota and its impact on various aspects of health. Find out more about the Gut Health Nutrition Specialist Course.
• Fad or Evidence-Based Diet CEC Course: This course provides a critical analysis of popular diets like Paleo, Keto, and Mediterranean, helping you distinguish between fads and scientifically backed nutritional practices. Learn about the Fad or Evidence-Based Diet Course.

Whether you’re a health professional looking to expand your expertise or an individual passionate about personal wellness and nutrition, our courses offer valuable insights and practical skills. Join us at AFPA, and embark on a journey to deepen your understanding of holistic nutrition, wellness, and plant-based living.

About the Author

Sasha Aparicio, MS

Sasha Aparicio, MS, is a Food and Nutrition Anthropologist with a BA from Tufts University, and an MS in Food and Nutrition from the University of San Carlos. Sasha is a Certified Nutrition Coach and an experienced adult educator, university professor, instructional designer, program director, content writer, researcher, and health content strategist. Over the course of her career, she has worked in international development, public health, consumer qualitative research, and nutrition program management, among others.

She is a primary instructor for AFPA’s Holistic Nutrition Certification Course, among others.

References and Further Reading

Landry, M. J., Schneider, C., Cunanan, K., Durand, L. R., Perelman, D., Robinson, J. L., Hennings, T., Koh, L. P., Dant, C., Zeitlin, A., Ebel, E. R., Sonnenburg, E. D., Sonnenburg, J. L., & Gardner, C. D. (2023). Cardiometabolic Effects of Omnivorous vs Vegan Diets in Identical Twins. JAMA Network Open, 6(11), e234445

https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.44457

Get Your Free Guide to Becoming a Holistic Nutritionist

Learn about the important role of holistic nutritionists, what it takes to be successful as one, and how to build a lucrative, impactful career in nutrition.