Filipino-American Twin Sisters Spice Up Netflix Health Docuseries You Are What You Eat
In Netflix's new health docuseries You Are What You Eat, Filipino-American twins Carolyn Sideco and Rosalyn Moorhouse participate in an eight-week experiment alongside other identical twins, delving into the significant effects of dietary and lifestyle choices on both physical health and personal identity.
Born in the Philippines and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, these sisters embarked on a journey that not only elevated Filipino representation in scientific research but also explored the intimate links between diet, health, and identity.
Carolyn, a sports consultant and holistic coach, and Rosalyn, an educator, brought their vibrant personalities and shared heritage to the platform, participating in a nutrition experiment that saw Carolyn embrace veganism while Rosalyn maintained an omnivorous lifestyle. This fascinating delve into dietary impacts highlighted not only the physical effects of their choices but also the emotional and cultural dimensions intertwined with every meal.
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Having participated in studies through Stanford’s National Twin Registry, the duo saw You Are What You Eat as an opportunity to shed light on the Filipino experience in scientific exploration. "Based on general statistics, there is an underrepresentation of Asians and Filipinos, specifically in scientific research. We want to encourage even more participation, not just from Filipinos who are twins, but from Filipinos in general," said Carolyn in an interview with the blog Kollective Hustle.
The twins faced distinct challenges throughout the experiment. Carolyn grappled with adjusting to vegan living, particularly in terms of grocery shopping and meal preparation—an endeavor made daunting without the support of her non-vegan husband. Rosalyn, on the other hand, encountered hurdles in the fitness component, sparking a newfound commitment to physical well-being. Together, they navigated the complexities of dietary changes, filming, and the rigorous demands of the research, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
In moments of self-doubt, the sisters found solace in their grounding forces. Carolyn leaned into the strength of the Filipino community, both within San Francisco and New Orleans, finding camaraderie and support that reaffirmed her sense of identity and purpose. Rosalyn turned to prayer and her close-knit circle of faith, drawing on these spiritual resources to maintain perspective and resilience.
This experience, they said, has magnified their advocacies, particularly in promoting Filipino voices in global conversations on health, sustainability, and cultural identity.
Through the docuseries, Carolyn and Rosalyn hope their story will inspire not only heightened awareness around dietary choices and health but also a deeper appreciation for the diverse narratives that make up our world.
