In this solo episode, Darin dismantles one of the most persistent myths in nutrition: that plant proteins are incomplete or inferior. Drawing from decades of peer-reviewed research and his own 17-year plant-based journey, he breaks down how plants contain all essential amino acids, how digestibility differs from bioavailability, and why variety — not animal flesh — is the key to optimal health and longevity.

This is part one of a two-part deep dive into protein, performance, and ethics — separating science from marketing and helping you understand where real nourishment begins.

What You'll Learn

00:00:00 - Intro and Sponsor: Fatty15

00:04:13 - Welcome to the Super Life Podcast

00:04:26 - Plant-Based Living and the Protein Question

00:06:24 - Protein Basics: Amino Acids in Plants

00:07:20 - Dr. Christopher Gardner and the Diversity of Plant Protein

00:09:52 - Protein Quality, Digestibility, and Flesh

00:11:12 - Heart Health: Stanford Twin Trial Results

00:12:02 - Saturated Fat, Polyunsaturated Fat, and Heart Disease

00:13:01 - Stanford Swap Meat Trial: Plant-Based Alternatives vs. Red Meat

00:14:14 - Sponsor: Our Place Cookware

00:17:01 - Longevity and Mortality Data

00:17:49 - Performance and Strength: Protein Requirements

00:20:47 - Easily Hitting Plant Protein Requirements

00:21:43 - Debunking the Carnivore Diet

00:23:02 - Closing Thoughts and Personal Point of View

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

• Our Place: Toxic-free, durable cookware that supports healthy cooking. Use code DARIN for 10% off at fromourplace.com.

• Fatty15: Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to fatty15.com/DARIN and using code DARIN at checkout.

Connect with Darin Olien:

• Website: darinolien.com

• Instagram: @darinolien

• Book: Fatal Conveniences

• Platform & Products: superlife.com

Key Takeaway

"Living food creates life. Every amino acid, every cell, every act of nourishment begins with plants — not because of belief, but because that's where all protein begins."