The MS Boost: Are you really what you eat? With food & nutrition scientist Dr Emma Beckett

In this episode of the MS Boost, we speak with Dr. Emma Beckett, a passionate science communicator with expertise in food science, nutrition, and biomedical sciences. Dr. Beckett discusses her new book, 'You Are More Than What You Eat,' which focuses on simplifying nutrition and food science to reduce stress and complexity for people, especially those living with MS. The conversation delves into the misconceptions of diet perfection, the challenges of weight management, the societal biases in healthcare, and the importance of focusing on manageable and tailored changes to your diet. Emma emphasizes empowering people to make even the smallest of improvements in their diet, while debunking the myths of a 'perfect' diet and control, and ultimately promoting a more enjoyable and realistic approach to nutrition. This is a compelling conversation that you won’t want to miss. 

“Look after your body, because it’s where you live!” – Dr Emma Beckett

With thanks to Dr Emma Beckett

Dr Emma Beckett (PhD) is a university trained Food and Nutrition Scientist. She has a degree in Biomedical Science and post-graduate degrees in Epidemiology, Food Science, Human Nutrition, & Science Management. 

She is a senior lecturer in Food Science & Human Nutrition at the University of Newcastle Australia and a senior scientist at Nutrition Research Australia. An academic all-rounder, her research outputs span immunology & microbiology, reproductive health, food choice behaviours, gene-nutrient interactions, and nutrient-environment interactions. 

She is also an award winning science communicator who can regularly be found online, in print, giving talks, and on television & radio. She aims to share food and nutrition science in a way that helps empower people to make better food and nutrition choices. Knowledge is power in a world of misinformation at fad diets. 

Referred to as the “Ms Frizzle of Food & Nutrition”, Emma uses her collection of food outfits to spark conversations, sharing fun facts and challenging stereotypes. Food isn’t just fuel, its part of our culture, social lives and should be a joy. The best nutrition choices are the ones that nourish you, bring you joy, and fit with your life - Emma wants to share these concepts to help spread the joy. 

You can read the episode transcript here.

To get support with your diet, reach out to a accredited dietician such as the MS Plus dieticians.

Reach out for support:
MS Plus Connect 1800 042 138 or email connect@msplus.org.au

Get in touch to share your comments and suggestions about this episode, or for future guests and episode topics by emailing education@ms.org.au

Views expressed on the MS Podcast, including any discussions or reference to medications or treatments by podcast guests, do not necessarily represent the views of MS Plus and should not be seen as either an endorsement or rejection of a treatment.  

MS Plus does not recommend any specific treatment for people living with MS. Decisions about any treatments, taking into consideration the potential benefits and side effects for each individual’s circumstances, should be made in careful consultation with the person’s neurologist or health care professional.