Low energy, low libido or body changes? Hormonal changes aren’t just a female issue. Learn how male hormones, including testosterone or Low T, affect your health and vitality. We cover signs of male hormone imbalance, andropause, hormone replacement therapy, and the lifestyle tweaks that can make a difference. Integrative physician, Dr. R. Kumar, shares science-backed insights and actionable tips to help you feel your best.  

In this episode you’ll hear:
2:30 – About male hormones including testosterone
4:45 – Low testosterone levels
7:20 – What is the function of testosterone in men?
8:15 – Hormonal imbalance for men and the causes
9:30 – When does testosterone start to drop naturally?
9:45 – What supports testosterone production?
10:30 – Alcohol’s effect on male hormones
11:00 – When to check testosterone levels?
12:15 – DHEA
14:15 – Bioidentical testosterone
15:40 – Lifestyle and diet strategies to support healthy testosterone
16:40 – Food sources of zinc
18:00 – Whole food plant-based diet to support hormones and the microbiome
20:15 – Is soy bad for men?
24:30 – Testosterone and cognition
25:30 – Cost of testosterone
27:00 – Finding an integrative physician

Guest Link: https://www.ommanicenter.com/

Resources referenced in the episode:
·      Understanding How Our Body Works webinar by Dr. Rose Kumar
·      Balancing Female Hormones in Perimenopause and Beyond with Dr. R. Kumar podcast
·      Reversal of cognitive decline: A novel therapeutic program


CREDITS:
Executive Producer and Host: Esther Garfin
Sound Recording and Editing: Will Crann  

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Keywords: Plant-Based Diet, Healthy Recipes, Weight Loss, Meatless Monday, WFPB, Heart Health, Vegan, Protein, Plant-based on a budget, Meal Prep, Veganuary, Hormone Balance, Plant Based 

Feeling off lately - mood swings, weight changes, low energy, or poor sleep? It could be your hormones. In this episode, Integrative physician, Dr. Rose Kumar, is coming to the rescue! She breaks down the confusing world of hormone balancing vs. hormone replacement, including what you need to know about estrogen dominance, perimenopause symptoms, cortisol levels, bioidentical hormones, hormone testing, and the role of diet and lifestyle. Whether you’re in your mid-thirties and your hormones are starting to change or you’re adjusting to life post-menopause, this episode gives you practical tools to understand your hormones and support your body through every stage.  

In this episode you’ll hear:
1:10 – Why an episode about hormones?
3:15 – Who is Dr. Rose Kumar?
5:30 – What should women understand about hormones?
8:00 – Danger of high dose hormones
8:45 – Premenopause & perimenopause hormonal changes in your 30’s & 40’s
12:00 – Hormone balancing vs. hormone replacement
13:00 – What are bioidentical hormones?
14:00 – What hormones are FDA approved?
15:30 – Therapeutic use of hormones
17:10 – Are there any BHRT studies?
19:30 – Estrogen and progesterone hormone ratios and doses
24:00 – Symptoms of estrogen dominance         
25:30 – Can you have hormone imbalance even without symptoms?
27:00 – How does plant-based eating and lifestyle affect hormones?
28:15 – Is soy good or bad for you?
31:30 – Which food helps hormonal imbalance?
36:15 – The expanding waistline
36:45 – Hormone testing: what to check and how often in your 30's, 40's & 50's
44:45 – Menopause by definition
45:00 – How long should a postmenopausal woman be on hormones?
46:00 – How do you reverse bone density loss?

Guest Link: https://www.ommanicenter.com/

CREDITS:
Executive Producer and Host: Esther Garfin
Sound Recording and Editing: Will Crann

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Keywords: Plant-Based Diet, Healthy Recipes, Weight Loss, Meatless Monday, WFPB, Heart Health, Vegan, Protein, Plant-based on a budget, Meal Prep, Veganuary, Hormone Balance, Plant Based 

Looking for a delicious, no-fuss snack that fuels your day and fits your plant-based lifestyle? Emmanuelle Bonham shares her go-to energy ball recipe – a perfect blend of nourishment, simplicity and feel-good ingredients. Whether you need a pre-workout bite, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or a kid-friendly treat, this is your new favorite recipe. Bonus: no oven required!

CREDITS:
Executive Producer and Host: Esther Garfin
Sound Recording and Editing: Will Crann

©2025 Alternative Food Network Inc.

RECIPE (Courtesy of Emmanuelle Bonham)

Energy Balls – Nut-Free Option Included

🛒 Ingredients (Metric) 
·      130 g oat flour (or rolled oats if you like a chewy texture)
·      40 g chia seeds
·      40 g flaxseeds
·      ½ tsp salt
·      85 g high quality maple syrup
·     180 g smooth peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
·      ½ tsp vanilla extract

🛒 Ingredients (US/Canada Cups)
·      ½ cup oat flour (or rolled oats if you like a chewy texture)
·      ¼ cup chia seeds
·      ¼ cup flaxseeds
·      ½ tsp salt
·      ¼ cup high quality maple syrup
·      ¾ cup peanut butter (or SunButter)
·      ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Mix dry: In a large bowl, combine oats, chia, flaxseeds, and salt.
2. Add wet: Stir in maple/honey and peanut/sunflower butter until fully combined.
3. Add vanilla: Mix in vanilla extract. Chill for 20–30 minutes if mixture is too soft. 
4. Shape: Roll into 22-23 balls (approx. 20 g or 1 tbsp each). 
5. Chill: Refrigerate for 1 hour to firm.

Storage                                                                                            
·      1 week at room temp
·      2 weeks in the fridge
·      3 months in the freezer

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Keywords: Plant-Based Diet, Healthy Recipes, Weight Loss, Meatless Monday, WFPB, Heart Health, Vegan, Protein, Plant-based on a budget, Meal Prep, Veganuary, Hormone Balance, Plant Based 

What if luxury wasn’t about excess—but about intention, compassion, and alignment? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Emmanuelle Bonham, founder of Kind Luxury, a lifestyle movement that's changing the way we think about what it means to live well and beautifully without causing harm.

In this episode you’ll hear:
2:30 – Summer in Dubai
4:30 – What is Kind Luxury?
12:40 – What are the roadblocks to diet change?
14:15 – Energy balls and their benefits
15:40 – How to identify cruelty free, ethically sourced brands?
20:40 – Helpful tools to make informed purchase decisions  

As referenced in the episode:  
·      Leaping Bunny: https://www.leapingbunny.org/
·      Peta: https://www.peta.org/living/personal-care-fashion/petas-ultimate-cruelty-free-list/
·      Cruelty Free International: https://crueltyfreeinternational.org/
·      EWG: https://www.ewg.org/

CREDITS:
Executive Producer and Host: Esther Garfin
Sound Recording and Editing: Will Crann

©2025 Alternative Food Network Inc.

To support our show, please consider "buying us a coffee" at https://buymeacoffee.com/alternativefoodnetwork.

Keywords: Plant-Based Diet, Healthy Recipes, Weight Loss, Meatless Monday, WFPB, Heart Health, Vegan, Protein, Plant-based on a budget, Meal Prep, Veganuary, Hormone Balance, Plant Based 

Chronic inflammation may be silent but its impact on your health is loud. This 8 minute episode highlights what it is, what causes it, and its role in the development of serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, digestive issues and even cancer. Learn how to take control of your health, starting with what’s on your plate.

References:

• Reducing Inflammation in the Body, Culinary Medicine Recipe podcast, Episode 40  
• Alternative Food Network Youtube Channel  
• Free Alternative Food Network Newsletter Sign-Up

CREDITS:
Executive Producer and Host: Esther Garfin
Sound Recording and Editing: Will Crann

©2025 Alternative Food Network Inc.

Keywords: Plant-Based Diet, Healthy Recipes, Weight Loss, Meatless Monday, WFPB, Heart Health, Vegan, Protein, Plant-based on a budget, Meal Prep, Veganuary, Hormone Balance, Plant Based 

Are you getting enough protein on a plant-based diet? Wonder no more. Plant-based dietitian, Rhyan Geiger, breaks down the facts and myths around protein intake, especially for those following a plant-based or vegan lifestyle. Learn how much protein your body really needs, the best plant-based protein sources, and how to easily meet your protein goals through whole foods. Rhyan also shares practical meal tips to help you build balanced, nutrient-rich meals.  

In this episode you’ll hear:
3:10 – Can a person get enough protein on a plant-based diet?
4:10 – Daily protein requirements
5:00 – What do amino acids do and what foods have amino acids?                
6:20 – Unexpected sources of plant-based protein
9:30 – Protein-packed plant-based breakfast
11:30 – Plant-based lunch idea
12:30 – Slow cooker plant-based dinner ideas
14:30 – Plant-based snacks
16:00 – Recipe tips
18:00 – Nutrition tracking apps  

Guest Link: https://phxvegandietitian.com/

Free Alternative Food Network Newsletter Sign-Up  

Alternative Food Network Youtube Channel

Resources:  

• The Truth about the Wheat We Eat, Episode 38, Culinary Medicine Recipe  
• Nutritious Pasta Higher in Protein & Easier on Your Stomach, Episode 36, Culinary Medicine Recipe  

CREDITS:
Executive Producer and Host: Esther Garfin
Sound Recording and Editing: Will Crann        

©2025 Alternative Food Network Inc.

Keywords: Plant-Based Diet, Healthy Recipes, Weight Loss, Meatless Monday, WFPB, Heart Health, Vegan, Protein, Plant-based on a budget, Meal Prep, Veganuary, Hormone Balance, Plant Based 

What does the science say about plant-based eating? Can a plant-based diet help prevent and manage chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease? We sit down with a registered dietitian who holds two Bachelor of Science degrees and a Master of Dietetics and Nutrition to break down the latest scientific research on plant-based eating and its powerful role in disease prevention and management. Whether you're considering a fully plant-based diet or just looking to add more nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods to your meals, this episode is packed with expert insights to guide you.

In this episode you’ll hear:
2:45 – What is the evidence that shows plant-based eating is good for health?
6:35 – Key nutrients of plant-based foods that help chronic diseases such as obesity & cancer.
12:00 – Does a plant-based diet help with diabetes?
14:15 – What is considered a portion size?
15:10 – Impact of a plant-based diet on heart health and cholesterol.
18:00 – How to begin a plant-based diet.
26:00 – “Health is wealth”
 
Free Alternative Food Network Newsletter Sign-Up  

Alternative Food Network Youtube Channel  

Resources

• Vegetarian Dietary Patterns for Adults: A Position Paper of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• Plant-Based Diets and Their Role in Preventive Medicine: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Insights for Reducing Disease Risk  
• Plant power: Using diet to lower cancer risk  
• Role of Phytochemicals in Cancer Chemoprevention: Insights  
• Health Benefits of Vegetarian Diets: An Insight into the Main Topics

CREDITS:
Executive Producer and Host: Esther Garfin
Sound Recording and Editing: Will Crann

©2025 Alternative Food Network Inc.


Keywords: Plant-Based Diet, Healthy Recipes, Weight Loss, Meatless Monday, WFPB, Heart Health, Vegan, Protein, Plant-based on a budget, Meal Prep, Veganuary, Hormone Balance, Plant Based 

From delicate garnishes to bold floral flavors, edible flowers are making a comeback in restaurants and kitchens. In this episode, we explore the world of culinary flowers with grower, Holly Pugsley. She shares how they can be used in cooking, baking and food presentation to create visually stunning and flavorful dishes. Whether you’re a home cook, baker, caterer or professional chef, this episode will inspire you to embrace edible flowers and bring a fresh, floral twist to your recipes.  

In this episode you’ll hear:  
2:45 - What is an edible flower?
4:20 - Edible flowers for cocktails.
5:00 - Edible flowers for cakes.
6:00 - How do edible flowers taste?
8:40 - Garnishing with herb flowers.
9:30 - What flower is high in Vitamin C?
10:10 - Working with chefs, bakers & caterers who use edible flowers.
11:30 - The demand for edible flowers.
12:30 - Edible flower trends.
13:30 - What edible flower to use at home.
14:40 - Which edible flower is best for cookies?
15:15 - Male vs. female edible flowers.
17:15 – About Just Keep Growing Company
18:00 – Giveaway details

Resources

This podcast is also available in video on Alternative Food Network's Youtube channel.

For more on microgreens, tune in to episode 51 of Plant-Based Diet, "Microgreens Aren't Just a Garnish". 

CREDITS:
Executive Producer and Host: Esther Garfin
Sound Recording and Editing: Will Crann

@2025 Alternative Food Network Inc.

Keywords: Plant-Based Diet, Healthy Recipes, Weight Loss, Meatless Monday, WFPB, Heart Health, Vegan, Protein, Plant-based on a budget, Meal Prep, Veganuary, Hormone Balance, Plant Based 

Microgreens are a game-changer for chefs and home cooks alike! In this episode, we get into the vibrant world of microgreens, exploring why they’ve become a culinary favourite and a wellness trend. Hear about their incredible nutrient density, the aesthetic appeal they bring to your dishes, and how to incorporate them into your meals.

In this episode you’ll hear:
2:00 – What are microgreens?
4:00 – How are microgreens used?
6:00 – Varieties of microgreens
9:00 – Microgreen v. sprout
11:40 – Vertical farming at Boston Microgreens.
16:50 – Growing microgreens at home
18:00 – Growing in soil versus hydroponics
20:40 – Microgreens benefits
23:00 – Boston Youth Farm Project  

Guest Link: https://www.microgreens.boston/

Keywords: Plant-Based Diet, Healthy Recipes, Weight Loss, Meatless Monday, WFPB, Heart Health, Vegan, Protein, Plant-based on a budget, Meal Prep, Veganuary, Hormone Balance, Plant Based 

Do you want to incorporate more plant foods into your diet? From essential staples to batch cooking, Dr. Chef Stephanie White shares expert tips to help you successfully start your plant-based journey and stick with it. Whether you're considering a full transition to a plant-based diet or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

In this episode you’ll hear:
4:00 – Chef Stephanie’s background
8:30 – Plant-based versus vegan
10:10 – What is the easiest way to start a plant-based diet?
12:20 – Plant-based pantry staples
15:00 – Fridge staples
17:00 – Choosing seasonal and local fruits and vegetables
20:10 – How Chef Stephanie likes to prepare her vegetables
22:00 – Practical tips to stay successful with plant-based eating
27:30 – Should we be eating organic vegetables?

As referenced in the episode:  

• Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts  
• Seasonal Food Guide  
• Environment Working Group Dirty Dozen List  
• Alternative Food Network Free Newsletter Sign-Up
• Culinary Medicine Recipe podcast

CREDITS:
Executive Producer and Host: Esther Garfin
Sound Recording and Editing: Will Crann

©2025 Alternative Food Network Inc.


Keywords: Plant-Based Diet, Healthy Recipes, Weight Loss, Meatless Monday, WFPB, Heart Health, Vegan, Protein, Plant-based on a budget, Meal Prep, Veganuary, Hormone Balance, Plant Based