APPETITEFORLIFE
Appetite for Life
Be among the first to learn about new nutrition research at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute and beyond. Register now for free Appetite for Life presentations.
Appetite for Life is a community program with interactive talks, demonstrations, and events that share the latest research in clear, practical ways.
Hear from experts about precision nutrition and how our research supports better health care.
Upcoming Events
Nutrition Myths: Fact or Fake?
Tuesday, February 24 | Noon | Virtual
Join us on Tuesday, February 24 at noon for a free hybrid (virtual or in-person) Appetite for Life event with UNC Assistant Professor of Nutrition Katie Meyer, ScD.
Conflicting nutrition advice is everywhere, and it can be difficult to know what is actually supported by science. In this hybrid Appetite for Life program, Katie Meyer, ScD, will walk through common nutrition myths and misconceptions and explain what research really shows.
Dr. Meyer is an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC Chapel Hill and a principal investigator at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute. The discussion will explore where common nutrition beliefs come from, why they persist, and how scientists evaluate nutrition claims.
Previous Events
Exploring How Folate Works
Wednesday, January 28, 2025 | Noon | Virtual
Join us for a virtual Appetite for Life webinar on January 28 at noon, exploring the role of folate (vitamin B9) in cell growth, DNA repair, and disease. Natalia Krupenko, PhD, and Madeline Childress, a PhD student in the Krupenko Lab at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute, will discuss how folate functions inside our cells, how cancer cells respond to folate stress, and how researchers use innovative tools to study these pathways in real time. This webinar offers an inside look at folate research happening at the NRI and how both faculty- and student-led science contribute to our understanding of nutrition and health.
The Truth About Sugar and Ultra-Processed Foods
Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | Noon | Zoom
Ultra-processed foods and added sugars are often in the headlines, but what does the science actually say?
Join us online on November 12 at noon as Saroja Voruganti, PhD explores the health effects of these foods and how to navigate your grocery store and pantry more mindfully. This virtual session will include interactive polls, real-world food comparisons, and downloadable resources to help you make sense of food labels and processing levels.
Behind the Scenes at the NRI
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | Noon | Virtual
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the UNC Nutrition Research Institute and see where discoveries are made. Learn how our scientists’ work is advancing nutrition and health.
Seasonal Bites: A Late-Summer Cooking Demo
Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 6 PM | NRI Lettuce Eat Café
Join us on Thursday, September 25, at 6 PM for a free in-person Appetite for Life featuring a live cooking demonstration with Robert Weimer, our Metabolic Kitchen Manager at the UNC Nutrition Research Institute. This in-person Appetite for Life event will take you inside the kitchen to explore simple, seasonal recipes that are both delicious and nutritionally balanced. Participants will sample each dish, learn how to recreate the recipes at home, and discover how seasonal produce can support a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re a home cook or just curious about the science of food, this evening offers a fun and flavorful way to engage with nutrition.
Understanding Your Metabolism:
How Nutrition Affects Energy Use
Virtual | Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Noon
Join us on Wednesday, August 20 at noon for a free virtual Appetite for Life event with UNC Assistant Professor of Nutrition Blake Rushing, PhD.
As summer winds down and routines reset, learn how your body uses energy and what role nutrition plays in your metabolism. Dr. Rushing will break down how diet and metabolism interact in simple terms and explain how research at the NRI is uncovering new insights into metabolic health.
3-Minute Nutrition Theories
Virtual | Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Noon
Last year, we heard from eight of the Nutrition Research Institute’s scientists. They explained what it is they’re investigating and why it’s so important—in just 3 minutes each!
We are holding this popular event again on May 28. Principal investigators, postdocs, doctoral students, and research specialists took to the mic to reveal the theories, concepts and ideas that underlie their exacting work in the laboratory and clinic. These 3-minute theory presentations are designed to effectively explain scientific research in down-to-earth language for a non-scientific audience.
NCRC STEM NIGHT
Cannon Ballers Stadium | Kannapolis, NC
April 29, 2025 at 6 PM
Join us at the Cannon Ballers baseball game on Tuesday, April 29, at 6 PM for an evening of fun and discovery!
Explore STEM Like Never Before:
- Meet real scientists and learn about their exciting work.
- Enjoy free, hands-on science activities designed for kids of all ages.
Bring the whole family for an unforgettable night of baseball and brainpower!
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to inspire young minds and celebrate the wonders of STEM!
Building a Better Basket
Virtual | Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Noon
In celebration of National Nutrition Month®, attendees learned how to make nutritious choices on a budget and navigate the grocery store with confidence. This event features a presentation on the MyPlate method, offering easy ways to build well-rounded meals.
Attendees received the Smart Shopping Guide, filled with resources to help you plan, shop, and eat with health in mind.
Wellness Workshop
High Performance Training | Kannapolis, NC
112 S. Main St. Kannapolis, NC 28081
Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 6 PM