Free Your Gut, Free Your Mind: Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Food-Stress-Money with Professors Katrine Whiteson and Daphne Lei - Students Only

Do you often wonder why you can’t study effectively despite lots of caffeine? Are you stressed about the high food cost and living expenses? Are you so overworked that you’re too exhausted to cook and eat out a lot? Have you ever thought about the close connection between academic stress, unhealthy eating, and money worries? How about starting fresh for the new academic year with some affordable, quick ideas for meal prep? First of all, to ease your stress, enjoy a free dinner with Illuminations!!


You will also get a chance to learn about the importance of microbiomes and some easy ways to improve gut health and increase overall energy level from Professor Katrine Whiteson. Whiteson is a Professor of Biological Sciences and co-Director of UCI Microbiome Center. She is a nationally recognized expert in microbiome research and an advocate for integrating science, food, and health. Her research explores how gut microbes shape human health, and she collaborates with chefs, students, and clinicians to design real-world interventions—from cooking classes to clinical trials. Each quarter, she challenges herself to cook a healthy high fiber meal for 60 students with less than $20, and you can learn too!


Join us in learning about breaking the vicious cycle of food-stress-money with Professors Whiteson and Lei and enjoying a free dinner prepared by Chef Stephie. The easy and delicious 3-dollar 3-course meal will boost your gut health and save you a lot of money.


Please bring your own utensils and water cups/bottles. You are encouraged to bring a reusable container for extra food. These are the Anteater ways to express our love and respect for the environment.





DIRECTIONS: Go to the ARC (Anteater Rec. Center) and check in with the front desk and let them know you're here for the cooking demo event. Head up the stairs take a left and follow the hallway all the way down past the indoor track and take a right at the end of the hallway. We are all the way down at the end, at the very last room and door, you can't miss us! See you soon!

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