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Staff Writer

Dr. Sarah Chen

Chief Nutritionist, PhD

PhD in Nutritional Science from Stanford with 15+ years of clinical experience. Sarah translates complex nutrition research into practical, everyday guidance.

19 Articles

About Dr. Sarah Chen

Dr. Sarah Chen is the Chief Nutritionist at SDAMG and a leading voice in translating nutrition science for everyday people. With a PhD in Nutritional Science from Stanford University and 15+ years of clinical and research experience, Sarah makes complex food science feel like a conversation with a brilliant friend.

Background

Born in Vancouver to Chinese-Canadian parents, Sarah grew up watching her grandmother prepare traditional medicinal soups — sparking a lifelong curiosity about the healing power of food. She studied biochemistry at UBC before earning her doctorate at Stanford, where her research focused on micronutrient absorption and gut-brain interactions.

Areas of Expertise

  • Micronutrient science and deficiency prevention
  • Gut health and the microbiome
  • Anti-inflammatory nutrition
  • Superfood evaluation and evidence-based claims

"Good nutrition isn't about perfection. It's about consistently choosing foods that make your body say 'thank you.'"

Articles by Dr. Sarah Chen

Iron-Rich Foods: The Complete Guide for Preventing Deficiency and Boosting Energy
Superfoods & Ingredients

Iron-Rich Foods: The Complete Guide for Preventing Deficiency and Boosting Energy

Struggling with fatigue? Discover the science of iron absorption, the difference between heme and non-heme iron, and how to combine foods to maximize energy. A practical, evidence-based guide to iron-rich eating without the stress.

Mar 24, 20268 min read
The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Microbiome Controls Mood, Immunity, and Energy
Nutrition Science

The Gut-Brain Connection: How Your Microbiome Controls Mood, Immunity, and Energy

Did you know your gut controls mood, immunity, and energy? Discover the science of the microbiome and simple, evidence-based food swaps to build a healthier gut without stressing over restrictive diets.

Mar 16, 20268 min read
Eat Your Way to Better Blood Pressure: A No-Stress Guide to Heart-Healthy Foods
Superfoods & Ingredients

Eat Your Way to Better Blood Pressure: A No-Stress Guide to Heart-Healthy Foods

Overwhelmed by nutrition advice? Discover how adding delicious, science-backed foods like dark chocolate, beets, and bananas to your daily routine can naturally support healthy blood pressure alongside your medical care.

Mar 5, 20267 min read
Nourish Your Mind: The Best Foods for Brain Health and Cognitive Function
Superfoods & Ingredients

Nourish Your Mind: The Best Foods for Brain Health and Cognitive Function

Boost your memory and focus with science-backed brain foods like blueberries, fatty fish, and dark chocolate. Learn how to easily add these nutrient powerhouses to your daily meals without the stress of restrictive diets.

Jan 29, 20268 min read
Protein Timing: Does When You Eat It Actually Matter?
Nutrition Science

Protein Timing: Does When You Eat It Actually Matter?

Confused about the anabolic window and post-workout shakes? Discover the science-backed truth about protein timing, distribution, and how to practically hit your daily goals without the stress.

Jan 6, 20268 min read
Protein Timing: Does When You Eat It Actually Matter?
Nutrition Science

Protein Timing: Does When You Eat It Actually Matter?

Stressed about the post-workout 'anabolic window'? Learn what science actually says about protein timing, meal distribution, and how to easily hit your daily goals without overcomplicating your nutrition.

Jan 6, 20269 min read
The Anti-Inflammatory Plate: A No-Stress Guide to Foods That Heal
Nutrition Science

The Anti-Inflammatory Plate: A No-Stress Guide to Foods That Heal

Discover how to calm chronic inflammation without restrictive diets. Learn the science behind foods that heal versus foods that harm, and get practical tips, easy swaps, and delicious meal ideas to build a vibrant, anti-inflammatory plate today.

Dec 21, 20258 min read
T
Nutrition Science

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Foods That Heal vs. Foods That Harm

Discover how chronic inflammation impacts your health and learn which foods to embrace or limit. This science-backed, practical guide offers easy food swaps and meal ideas to build an anti-inflammatory plate without the stress.

Dec 21, 20258 min read
U
Nutrition Science

Understanding Macros: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Protein, Carbs, and Fats

Demystify nutrition with this jargon-free guide to macronutrients. Learn what protein, carbs, and fats actually do, and how to balance your plate for energy and health without obsessive tracking.

Nov 25, 20258 min read
Understanding Macros: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Protein, Carbs, and Fat
Nutrition Science

Understanding Macros: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Protein, Carbs, and Fat

Confused by nutrition advice? Discover what protein, carbs, and fats actually do for your body, and learn a science-backed, practical way to build balanced meals without obsessive tracking or food guilt.

Nov 25, 20258 min read
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Nutrition Science

Beyond the Math: Why Calorie Counting Alone Doesn't Work (And What to Do Instead)

Calorie counting isn't the whole story. Discover why food quality, hormones, and nutrient density matter more for your metabolism, and learn practical, science-backed habits to nourish your body without stressing over the math.

Oct 5, 20258 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Non-Dairy Calcium: Building Strong Bones at Every Age
Superfoods & Ingredients

The Ultimate Guide to Non-Dairy Calcium: Building Strong Bones at Every Age

Dairy isn't the only way to build strong bones. Discover science-backed, non-dairy calcium sources like leafy greens, tofu, and sardines, plus practical tips to effortlessly meet your daily needs at any stage of life.

Sep 20, 20258 min read
Anti-Aging Foods: What Nutrition Science Actually Says About Aging
Superfoods & Ingredients

Anti-Aging Foods: What Nutrition Science Actually Says About Aging

Cut through the wellness noise and discover what nutrition science actually says about healthy aging. Learn which foods support collagen, tame inflammation, and boost longevity—plus practical ways to add them to your plate today.

Sep 16, 20257 min read
The Truth About Processed Foods: What's Actually Harmful vs. Just Convenient
Nutrition Science

The Truth About Processed Foods: What's Actually Harmful vs. Just Convenient

Not all processed foods are bad for you. Discover the science behind the processing spectrum, learn to spot ultra-processed culprits, and embrace healthy conveniences without the guilt.

Aug 5, 20258 min read
Vitamin D Deficiency: The Silent Epidemic Affecting 42% of Americans
Nutrition Science

Vitamin D Deficiency: The Silent Epidemic Affecting 42% of Americans

Nearly half of Americans are deficient in Vitamin D. Discover the hidden symptoms, why sunlight alone isn't enough, and how to boost your levels through simple food swaps, targeted supplements, and practical daily habits.

Jul 24, 20258 min read
The Healthiest Cooking Oils: Smoke Points, Nutrition, and Best Uses
Superfoods & Ingredients

The Healthiest Cooking Oils: Smoke Points, Nutrition, and Best Uses

Confused by the cooking oil aisle? Learn the science behind smoke points, heart-healthy fats, and when to use olive, avocado, or coconut oil. Build a healthier kitchen with this practical, evidence-based guide to cooking oils.

Jul 21, 20257 min read
How Blood Sugar Affects Your Energy, Mood, and Cravings (And How to Fix It)
Nutrition Science

How Blood Sugar Affects Your Energy, Mood, and Cravings (And How to Fix It)

Struggling with the 3 PM slump, mood swings, or sugar cravings? Discover how the glycemic rollercoaster impacts your body and learn simple, science-backed food pairing strategies to achieve steady energy without giving up the foods you love.

Jul 13, 20258 min read
Beyond Salmon: The Complete Guide to Omega-3 Foods for Every Diet
Superfoods & Ingredients

Beyond Salmon: The Complete Guide to Omega-3 Foods for Every Diet

Think salmon is the only way to get your omega-3s? From chia seeds and walnuts to seaweed and grass-fed meat, discover science-backed, practical ways to boost your brain and heart health—no matter your dietary preferences.

Jun 4, 20258 min read
The Unsung Hero of Nutrition: Why Fiber is the Key to Feeling Your Best
Superfoods & Ingredients

The Unsung Hero of Nutrition: Why Fiber is the Key to Feeling Your Best

Only 5% of Americans get enough fiber. Discover why this overlooked nutrient is vital for your gut, heart, and energy levels, plus simple, delicious ways to double your daily intake without the stress.

Jun 1, 20258 min read