Sugar, spice, and everything nice

Over the past centuries – and especially in recent decades – our diets have changed a lot, with processed foods becoming a major part. Our bodies, however, have been less quick to adapt.

In this talk, we’ll explore how our bodies break down the food we eat and the tiny "molecular switches" that control this process. We’ll take a look at sugar—one of the main ingredients in processed foods—and uncover why we naturally crave sweet things.

There is a profound connection between our diet, the calories we consume, and the way our body works - or conversely, becomes sick. Metabolism is complex because it involves a vast network of biochemical reactions that convert food into energy and building blocks for the body, regulated by enzymes, hormones, and other factors, in different parts of the body. In this talk, I will try to simplify the science of metabolism, explaining how our body processes and utilizes the energy provided by food to fuel daily activities such as exercise. I want to emphasize the idea that what we eat directly influences not only our physical health but also our mental and emotional well-being.
The discussion covers how lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and genetics influence the way our bodies respond to different diets, highlighting that there is no one-size-fits-all advice. It will underscore the importance of balancing energy intake with energy expenditure and how modern dietary habits, often marked by processed foods and sedentary behavior, contribute to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
With an abundance of misinformation on the internet, people can become uncertain about their food choices. By debunking common myths and providing clear, evidence-based information, this talk seeks to empower attendees to take a proactive role in shaping their health and metabolism through informed dietary decisions.