Gardner and the panel of experts featured in the series unanimously concur that the Standard American Diet (abbreviated as SAD) is detrimental. It is a result of the extensive efforts by the meat and dairy industries to persuade the public that obtaining essential nutrients like protein and calcium is exclusive to their products. This dietary trend is also attributed to a society built on convenient access to processed foods.
The set of twins participating in the docuseries includes Pam and Wendy, proprietors of a catering business; Charlie and Michael, renowned as the “Cheese Twins”; Carolyn and Rosalyn, who delve into the evolution of the Filipino diet towards incorporating animal proteins; and Jevon and John, nursing students relying on frozen, processed foods for their hectic schedules. Some aspects of “You Are What You Eat” may come across as somewhat lecture-like, reminiscent of a doctor’s admonition about potential health risks due to weight issues. While acknowledging the need for dietary improvement among Americans, some experts seem to place a considerable amount of blame on individuals rather than the systemic factors influencing food choices.
However, there are moments of enlightenment in the study, especially when the discussion revolves around using body composition instead of the inaccuracies associated with BMI as a baseline. The docuseries will also explore other factors affecting the body’s response to diet, such as microbiome composition and the biological clock. Even Gardner expresses skepticism about significant changes in the subjects’ biological age after eight weeks.
Beyond the intriguing scientific discourse, the real entertainment lies in observing these eight individuals undergo the experimental diets. The producers have curated a selection of twins with vibrant personalities, making the journey through these dietary plans captivating. The scenes where participants discover their assigned diets, expressing preferences for or against going vegan, are enjoyable. As the experiment progresses, witnessing how they navigate the imposed restrictions becomes the most compelling aspect of the series.
Regarding content, there is no explicit material. The concluding scenes depict subjects receiving their initial meals, engaging in prescribed physical training, and experts emphasizing the potential transformative impact of this experiment.
A standout pair in the series is Pam and Wendy, whose banter adds a hilarious dynamic to their interactions, showcasing both friendly competition and a strong friendship.
As for the inclusion of politician Cory Booker among the “experts,” there is skepticism and a query about the relevance of his perspective in this context.
In summary, “You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment” offers a unique and worthwhile viewing experience, making it a recommended stream for its engaging subjects and the intriguing scientific exploration of dietary impacts on the body.