Longevity or Ideology? The Blue Zones, Plant-Based Diets and Public Health
What shapes the nutrition advice we hear every day?
In this thought-provoking conversation, Belinda Fettke explores the historical, cultural and commercial influences that have helped shape modern dietary guidelines and public health messaging.
Drawing on years of independent research, Belinda examines the origins of low-fat dietary recommendations, the rise of the health food movement, and the complex intersection of ideology, industry and nutrition policy. She invites listeners to consider how dietary narratives are formed, who influences them, and what this may mean for individual choice and informed decision-making.
About our Belinda Fettke
Belinda Fettke describes herself as a change-agent in the nutrition space, challenging the health benefits of low-fat, high-carbohydrate dietary guidelines as truly ‘evidence-based’ after researching both the vested interests, and religious ideology, shaping dietary and health messaging globally.
Belinda’s research has focused on; “Who decides what we eat, when we eat, and why?” and includes the history of vegetarianism, the invention of ‘health food’, the emergence of dietetics as a profession, and the Global Influence of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Diet.
Over the last decade she has discovered an unexpected intersection between Seventh-day Adventist ideology and commercial vested interests, both intent on demonising animal protein and fats. Incredibly, this symbiotic relationship has helped manifest our current ‘plant-biased’ dietary and health guidelines.
Belinda states she is not anti-religion nor is she anti-vegetarian, as a personal choice, but she is very concerned about dietary preferences being taken away from those who choose to include meat, dairy, and eggs in their diet. Taking away choices that may negatively impact an individual’s health outcome.
Belinda challenges recent attempts by regulators to ‘silence’ healthcare professionals from broad and meaningful discussions on nutrition and from using #FoodasMedicine, with the threat of de-registration should they deviate from the ‘guidelines’ which have somehow become strict ‘rule-books’ protected by Associations with ties to industry.
Learn more at Belinda Fettke Instagram
About NTA Vodcast Host Sara Fieschi
Sara Fieschi is the passionate Founder of Food Spirit Wellness—a guiding light for female Health Practitioners, Coaches, and Wellness Entrepreneurs on their journey to wellness. Sara holds a Bachelor's degree in Food Science & Nutrition with Honours, a PhD in Nutrition, and a Practitioner of Functional Nutritional Therapy qualification. For over 14 years, she served as a dedicated lecturer and researcher in Health at Deakin University. Her contributions extend beyond academia, having co-authored numerous scientific research papers and earned recognition through industry awards.
Sara's expertise spans various disciplines including Functional Nutritional Therapy, Gastrointestinal Healing, Nutritional Blood Chemistry, and more. Drawing upon her extensive knowledge, training, and experience, Sara supports female health practitioners, coaches, and wellness entrepreneurs. Her mission is to guide them in exploring their healing potential while avoiding burnout and embracing balance. Sara's approach nourishes the whole being, paving the way for vibrant health and exceptional client care.