Ever wondered some people can stick to a diet where others flounder, or whether it was possible to eat less and not feel hungry?
These will be among the questions answered as the science behind food and nutrition comes under the spotlight in a series of events taking place as part of the British Science Festival in Aberdeen later this month.
The Festival – which is being organised by the British Science Association, the University of Aberdeen and Techfest-Setpoint - will bring fascinating science to the city and Aberdeenshire through a diverse programme of hundreds of public lectures, family fun events and workshops.
Food-focused events taking place during the Festival, which runs from September 4 – 9at various venues across Aberdeen, include:
Food addiction: Fact or Fiction? Separate the truth from myth in this event which will see an international panel of psychiatrists and scientist – including experts from the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health – explore the theories behind why some people eat too much. The event – which is free to attend – takes place on Wednesday September 5 from 10am – 12noonin the University’s Meston Building.
The Holy Grail of Dieting: Can we eat less and not feel hungry? Experts from the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health will invite the audience to get interactive in discussing how the food industry is developing products which could to help control appetite, manage weight and combat obesity. The event - which is free to attend - takes place on Thursday September 6 from 10am-12noonin the University of Aberdeen’s Fraser Noble Building and is free to attend.
The Discover Dinner will offer the public the chance to dine with scientists and chefs who have designed a sustainable and healthy four course meal at the William Dyce Brasserie, Aberdeen College, Gallowgate, on Thursday September 6 from 6.30pm to 9pm. The event will include presentations on the menus and nutritional analysis and participants will get the chance to sample the gastronomic delights created.
Tickets are £20 including the meal and can be booked by calling 01224 612169.
Myth Busters: What’s up with your gut? Providing an insight into the important role microorganisms in our bodies can play in maintaining our health, but in certain circumstances can cause illness and disease. The event - which is free to attend and takes place on Friday September 7 from 10am-12noonin the University’s Meston Building - will offer the audience an opportunity to quiz scientific experts following the main talk.
Future of Food Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health expert Alex Johnstone and head chef John McInnes will join forces in this entertaining evening of eating and conversation on the future of food. Following a cookery demonstration and three-course dinner, attendees will have the chance to get involved in a lively discussion on where our food comes from and how we could eat more sustainably. The event which costs £15 to attend takes place on Friday September 7 at Baxters of Fochabers from 6.30pm – 9.30pm.
Feeding the 9 billion The complex issue of how we will feed the growing world population – which is set to peak at 9 billion by 2050 – will be explored in an event featuring scientists and economists experts from the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, Moredun Research Institute, Scottish Agricultural College and chaired by James Withers, CEO of Scotland Food and Drink. The discussion, which is free to attend, will take place on Saturday September 8 from 1pm-2pmin the University’s Meston Building
Why don’t we eat as we intend? The psychology of dietary control Find out why some people find it harder to stick to their dietary intentions than others in this event which will include the chance for audience members to take part in psychological tests to illustrate why resisting temptation can be difficult. The event which costs £3 to attend takes place on Saturday September 8 from 1pm-2pmin the University’s Linklater Rooms.
Younger members of the family will also have the chance to learn more about what’s inside our bodies in a show entitled, The Secret Life of the Skeleton, that will shed light on the remarkable ability of our skeleton to support our weight, despite being extremely light, and continuously repair itself. The event takes place on Wednesday September 5 from 6pm – 7pmand costs £5 to attend, £3 for concessions.
British Science Festivalevents can be booked online by visiting
http://www.britishscienceassociation.org/web/BritishScienceFestival/index.htmor by ringing 08456 807 207.
The British Science Festival 2012is being organised by the British Science Association, the University of Aberdeen and Techfest-Setpoint. The principal sponsors are BP and Shell U.K. Limited.