Every bite you take feeds not just you, but the trillions of microbes in your gut which influence everything from your weight and mood to your immune system and brain health. Join us for a fascinating exploration of your body’s most overlooked health ally—your microbiome. Discover how the foods you choose can either delight or disappoint this vital internal ecosystem, including: 

1. Why fiber is the ultimate superfood for your trillion microbial companions.
2. How plant-based foods cultivate microbial diversity while animal products leave your gut community starved.
3. Why ultra-processed foods sabotage your internal ecosystem like fast food at a gourmet banquet.
4. Practical strategies to transform your diet into a feast that both your microbiome and body will celebrate.

 As part of this engaging presentation, you will enjoy a live demonstration of our “Microbiome-Boosting White Bean Dip,” featuring fiber-rich cannellini beans.. You’ll also learn how this versatile dip serves as a base for multiple recipes – a perfect example of how simple foods can deliciously support your essential health partner!

Dr. Susan Gabriel holds a PhD in Nutritional Epidemiology with over twenty years in health outcomes research. She also has MS and BS degrees in human nutrition and biochemistry. As a forty-year ethical vegan, she bridges scientific expertise with animal advocacy, promoting plant-based nutrition as an ethical solution to chronic disease by making complex information accessible to diverse audiences.

Previously as Research Manager at NutritionFacts.org, Dr. Gabriel is currently a library writer for Faunalytics, and volunteers at the American Vegan Center. Beyond her professional work, Dr. Gabriel is “mom” to four rescue kitties and enjoys creating vegan-inspired artwork and cooking.

Sunny Linkfield is a certified health and wellness coach, with a focus on plant-based nutrition and cooking. She hold certificates from Forks Over Knives, eCornell Nutrition Science through T Colin Campbell, and she is a licensed Food for Life coach with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine(PCRM).

In 2015 she became completely disabled and could barely walk due to numerous health issues: osteoarthritis, spinal degeneration, complex regional pain syndrome, charcot foot, Hashimoto’s disease, C-PTSD, lupus, and breast cancer. She went from a glamorous life of travel
and living in NYC to being homebound in rural NJ. Eventually, she lost everything including her home as a result of health issues. She learned from podcasts, especially PCRM’s Exam Room, transitioned to vegan, and now enjoys helping others overcome health issues.