In this episode of Vitals and Values, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg debunk a common trap in diet culture: the obsession with individual ingredients like food dyes. They explore how marketers and influencers oversimplify health by highlighting what’s not in a product—while ignoring what actually matters. From calorie context to processed food patterns, they challenge listeners to move beyond fear-based messaging and toward a more balanced understanding of nutrition. If you’ve ever thought “this snack must be healthy because it’s dye-free,” this episode offers a reality check—and a healthier mindset.

In this episode, Lara and David dive into the popular trend of intermittent fasting—examining what it is, how it works, and whether it lives up to the hype. From time-restricted eating to alternate-day fasting, they break down the different types and explain what the science actually says about their benefits. They also reflect on how diet culture has shaped the way we think about fasting, food, and control, exploring both the spiritual roots and modern marketing of fasting. With personal insights and a critical lens, this conversation unpacks the truths, myths, and mindsets surrounding one of today’s most talked-about health strategies.