@cgardnerphd.bsky.social
Stanford Nutrition Scientist since 1993. Human nutrition. Food systems. Stealth nutrition. Father of 4 boys. Husband of @melissamichelson
Consensus & Confusion
While the '25–'30 Dietary Guidelines repeat familiar messages like eat more veggies & fruits, they also overemphasize protein, downplay fiber, muddy guidance on processed foods, and send mixed messages on saturated fat.
My take:
med.stanford.edu/nutrition/ne...
AHA Levy Lecture
Honored to deliver the '25 @American_Heart Robert Levy Memorial Lecture @ #AHA25 Scientific Sessions in NOLA.
I spoke about how science communication can inspire trust, reduce polarization & empower healthier choices.
Thanks to Dr. Chiadi Ndumele for presenting me w/the award
Stanford Food Summit
Two weeks ago, nearly 300 researchers & change makers came together for the '25 @Stanford Food Summit. It was a day of connection, inspiring keynotes, and action-driven discussions on building healthier, more sustainable food systems.
Videos: www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
UPFs in Schools
Join me + other school food experts on Sept 17 @ 1 pm ET for “Reducing Ultra-Processed Meals: The Next Chapter in School Food” - the second webinar in the three-part Healthy School Food for Thought series hosted by Chef Ann Foundation Register: bit.ly/4c3dOTY
MAHA Report
The new report gets some things right - better diets,
more activity, less exposure to chemicals. But ignoring solid science in favor of “whim & whimsy” (like deep-frying in beef tallow) won’t improve children’s health. Evidence-based nutrition will.
www.cnn.com/2025/09/10/h...
#SchoolFoodReimagined
We’ve got something exciting cooking with Eat Real Certified…and it’s about the future of school meals. Stay tuned for the big reveal this Thursday!
Just published!
Congrats to lead authors, Dalia Perelman & Elisa Caffrey, on publishing "Unpacking Food Fermentation" in Advances in Nutrition.
They explore what we know (and don’t) about fermented foods & why clearer definitions & research matter.
🔗 pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC...
Beans, Peas and Lentils
Good for your health, your budget, and the environment, as engagingly revealed by Anahad O'Connor
www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/202...
🎉Emmy-Nominated!
“You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment” — the @netflix docuseries featuring our @stanford Twins Study — is up for an Emmy in the Outstanding Lifestyle Program category! What a powerful nod to science communication and good research.
🌱🍓Farm to Table Camp
For the 14th year, we're partnering w/ @SantaClaraUSD on their 11-acre farm in Sunnyvale, CA. Kids garden, cook, & learn where food comes from. We're thrilled to support the district's new greenhouse w/ help from @ardmore_health.
www.svvoice.com/new-greenhou...
IGNITE Firefighters' Health Study
We’re fired up to partner with @SFFDPIO + sffcpf.org on a groundbreaking study asking: Can a whole-food, plant-based diet help reduce cancer risk in firefighters? Big questions, bold science, and more exciting updates to come soon!
Huberman Lab podcast
Had a great time chatting with Andrew Huberman on his podcast about all things food & health - popular diets, protein myths, gut health, food allergies & more. Grateful to have had the opportunity to share evidence-based nutrition insights.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vQZ...
Outrageous
Kevin your contributions have been monumental and invaluable. I have to believe this is somehow going to lead you to new opportunities to make even more impactful scientific discoveries.
To believe anything else is just too depressing to accept.
You are among the best of the best.
New Publication: FeFiFo-MOMS Methods
Our latest publication outlines our FeFiFo-MOMS study design, paving the way for future research on how diet during pregnancy impacts the microbiomes of mom & baby—an area still not well understood.
www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
Unapologetic Deliciousness Talk
This is my 2nd attempt to give this talk in Vallejo, CA @ Touro University. The first attempt on Dec 5, 2024 coincided w/ a California earthquake & automatic tsunami warning that led to evacuating campus, including me.
😱🌊
(there was no tsunami)
Excited to Present at #CIAHKHL
For 20+ years, the Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives conference has united healthcare and culinary arts to improve access to healthy, affordable food.
See you there?
Learn more at www.healthykitchens.org/schedule
Anti-transgender executive order
@melissamichelson.bsky.social comments on the Executive Order and cites her scholarly work for the past decade on why this can lead to real harm for transgender people
blogs.lse.ac.uk/usappblog/20...
Believe Science, Not Hype
RFK Jr. & influencers call seed oils "poison," but research shows they can be part of a healthy diet. The real issue? Misinformation. As @neiltyson says, “Science is true, whether or not you believe in it.”
My @MSNBC op-ed: www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
Nutrition Consensus over Controversy
Nutrition topics can feel like a battleground in the media, but with the right context, there’s actually more consensus than controversy. I unpack this and clear up confusion during a recent Mayo Clinic podcast.
🎤: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU_3...
Healthy New Year Webinar
Excited to join Wellness Wednesday on Jan 15 at 11 AM PT. I’ll share insights on what to eat (and avoid) for better health, plus tackle nutrition misinformation and how diet info can get 'ultra-processed.'
Register here: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Dietary Guidelines
After 2 years, 421 pages, and countless hours, the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee submitted its recommendations.
I spoke with @StanfordMedicine “Scope" about the science, politics, and equity shaping what’s on our plates.
scopeblog.stanford.edu/2024/12/19/d...
US News & World Report - Best Diets
@usnews has just released the #BestDiets ratings for 2025. I am honored to be on the panel reviewing these diets.
I offered my expertise in evaluating each of the rated diets in different categories.
health.usnews.com/best-diet
Big news for beans🌱
As part of the '25 US Dietary Advisory Committee, we recommended putting beans, peas, & lentils at the top of MyPlate's protein section instead of meat.
Why? They have protein, fiber, and no saturated fat.
Small swap, big impact!
www.cnn.com/2024/12/12/h...
🎥 Does science stream better on Netflix?
Last week I had the honor of presenting at Stanford Medicine's Grand Rounds, where I shared lessons on blending science with pop culture.
Curious about the power of science communication? This talk is for you! 🎤
youtu.be/1IfpZhM_o4o?...
How Diet-Health Misinformation Gets Ultraprocessed:
Exposing Hidden Agendas and Distorted Narratives
Honored to be part of this discussion.
Wednesday Dec 11, noon PST
My talk will be:
Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee: Industry Influence?
Spoiler alert: I'm very IMPRESSED with DGAC process!
Stanford Medical Grand Rounds
This was fun!
Weds Dec 11th I got to present at MGR.
8-9 am
"Communicating What to Eat: To Netflix of Not"
It will be recorded and available later for those who couldn't be there in person.
Dr Professor Dean Ms Marathon
My AMAZING wife, @melissamichelson.bsky.social , just finished her 18th marathon this morning….in Honolulu.
Awesome finishing time.
Looks fresh as a daisy?!
How does she do it! 🤷
Crazy!
🏃🏻♀️🏅
Plant-Protein & Heart Health
New research: Eating more plant protein may cut heart disease risk. The key isn't just protein—it's the fiber & lower saturated fat in plant-based options vs. animal proteins.
Prioritize fiber & cut sat fat for heart health.
www.healthline.com/health-news/...
Fighting Nutrition Misinformation
Join me at @TrueHealthINIT’s online symposium, "How Diet-Health Misinformation Gets Ultraprocessed" on 12/11. Let’s tackle nutrition misinformation & share solutions for a healthier future.
🔗 Agenda + Registration: thi.today/11dec
Giving Thanks
Great day of family, friends, and delicious food yesterday. All four of our boys are home this weekend.
So much to be thankful for….
….including leftovers! 😋
