Split Plate: The Untold History of the Health Food Movement- It's Eccentrics, Fanatics, and Visionaries is a (proposed) 9-part historical documentary series that follows the historical story of what is now known as the “health food” industry- and its broader relationship with the mainstream culinary culture of America.  Each episode covers a unique aspect of this history, set against the backdrop of an ever-changing America. Using archival black and white and color footage, as well as contemporary interviews with corporate CEOs, authors, influencers, scientists and others, Split Plate offers a fascinating historical perspective on “how we got here from there” -by standing on the shoulders of the pioneers and bioneers who trail-blazed  healthier, and often more compassionate ways of eating, for ourselves, our loved ones, and the planet.

The series culminates with a clear eyed assessment (over two episodes) of the current state of food production- and the choices we all should have access to. Hard questions and issues are talked about including a look at GMOs,  food sovereignty, the merging of food and pharma, and more.

The "eccentrics, fanatics, and visionaries" of Split Plate are the real stars of the series, and their colorful personalities, strong beliefs, and courage when facing all sorts of obstacles, ridicule, and societal disapproval make up a large portion of the stories in the series.‍

• Organic (vs) Chemical agriculture (Rachel Carson vs  DDT)
• History of Vitamins -their discovery, adoption, and push back from the medical establishment
• Botanical and Homeopathic medicine vs the AMA medical establishment
• Food safety and consumer protection laws vs agri-business and corporate interests
• Fluoride, margarine, aluminum, teflon, artificial colors, preservatives, MSG, artificial sweeteners and more
• Vegetarianism and veganism- some of the surprising pioneers, authors, and early advocates.
• Natural lifestyle- eccentrics and visionaries, hippies, and the rise of “modern” healthy eating
• The Southern California  movement- juicing, muscle beach and the health and beauty icons of Hollywood
• The “anti” movements- anti-dairy, anti-gluten, anti-additives (colors, preservatives, synthetic hormones, etc.)
• The “New-trition” influencers: Raw foodists, and a new generation of conscious eaters
• Cholesterol & Heart Disease: Fact or Fiction?
• Fad diets from oat bran to Atkins
• Natural cures for cancer? Cooperation or competition?
• The Aspartame scandal- deep, dark, and dirty
• The GMOs, turf wars, and "Frankenfoods"
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