Something Better, The Restaurant of the Future: GW Chew at TEDxBentonville

Summary

In this engaging talk, Chef Chu emphasizes the importance of healthy eating and its impact on our bodies. He draws a connection between the elements in our food and the human body, advocating for plant-based diets to combat lifestyle-related diseases. Using humor and personal anecdotes, such as his adoption into the 'Chew' family, Chef Chu encourages his audience to reconsider their food choices. He introduces his FE Formula—Flavor, Familiarity, Encouragement, and Education—while showcasing plant-based alternatives to popular foods. He challenges listeners to try being herbivores for a day to improve their health and well-being.

Takeaways

• 🍽 The average American consumes about 1,000 pounds of food annually, spending between $3,000 to $5,000 on food.
• 🌱 The human body is composed of roughly 66 chemical elements, many of which are also found in soil.
• 🍎 Many people are unaware of the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables, often opting for taste over nutrition.
• 🧠 Poor dietary choices can lead to a 'junk brain,' affecting cognitive function and overall health.
• 🎵 Chef Chu promotes a 'Eat to Live' philosophy through a catchy song emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet.
• 🥗 The 'Fe Formula' is introduced as a method to transition to healthier eating, focusing on flavor, familiarity, encouragement, and education.
• 🌿 Chef Chu is a vegan and the owner of 'Something Better Foods International,' which provides plant-based food and lifestyle education.
• 🥩 Chef Chu has invented plant-based alternatives to meat, such as a bean-based steak and chicken alternatives made from garbanzo beans, brown rice, and soybeans.
• 👨‍🍳 Chef Chu conducts classes to educate people on how to prepare healthy, plant-based meals, aiming to combat lifestyle diseases.
• 👶 Childhood obesity is a significant issue in Arkansas, with over 37% of children being overweight or obese, a rate much higher than the national average.
• 🌱 Chef Chu challenges individuals to become 'healthy eating ambassadors,' promoting plant-based diets to improve health and prevent diseases.

Q & A

What is the average amount of food an American consumes annually?

An average American consumes about 1,000 pounds of food every single year.

What is the estimated cost of the food an average American eats per year?

The estimated cost ranges from $3,000 to $5,000 per year, assuming an average cost of about $3 to $5 per pound.

What is the importance of the phrase 'We are what we eat' in the context of the speech?

The phrase 'We are what we eat' emphasizes the direct impact of our dietary choices on our physical and mental health, suggesting that the quality of the food we consume shapes our bodies and brains.

What are the two food options presented in the script to illustrate dietary choices?

The two food options are a delicious mango from the Jamaican Islands and a French pastry filled with white flour, butter, and sugar.

Why is the mango often not chosen over the pastry according to the speaker?

The mango is often not chosen due to ignorance about the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables, and the allure of the taste and flavor of the pastry.

What is the 'junk food crisis' mentioned in the script?

The 'junk food crisis' refers to the negative impact of consuming unhealthy, processed foods on the brain and overall health, leading to what the speaker calls a 'junk brain'.

What is the 'Eating to Live' song about, as mentioned in the script?

The 'Eating to Live' song promotes a healthy diet consisting of fruits, grains, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, encouraging people to eat for nourishment rather than just for pleasure.

What does the speaker mean when he says he is a 'herbivore'?

The speaker being a 'herbivore' means he follows a plant-based diet, specifically identifying as a vegan, which includes no meat, eggs, dairy, or cheese.

What is the FE formula introduced by Chef Chu and what does it stand for?

The FE formula stands for Flavor and Familiarity, along with Encouragement and Education. It's a method Chef Chu uses to help people transition to a healthy diet.

What is the main goal of Chef Chu's company, Something Better Foods International?

The main goal of Something Better Foods International is to provide healthy, gourmet food and lifestyle education, focusing on plant-based diets.

How does Chef Chu address the issue of childhood obesity in Arkansas?

Chef Chu addresses childhood obesity by educating children about healthy eating, teaching them how to prepare nutritious foods, and encouraging a shift towards plant-based diets.