Is it Time to Eat More Plants? with Vicki Brett-Gach

With so many conflicting diet trends—from keto to carnivore to plant-based—it’s no wonder people feel overwhelmed about what to eat.

In this episode of Smart Women Talk, host Katana Abbott sits down with certified vegan lifestyle coach, culinary instructor, and author Vicki Brett-Gach to cut through the noise and explore a simple question: Should we be eating more plants? Vicki shares her personal journey from a traditional American diet to a plant-based lifestyle, inspired by her family’s health history and a desire to improve long-term wellness.

Together, they dive into:

• The real impact of food on chronic disease and inflammation
• Why dairy (especially cheese) can be surprisingly addictive
• The role of gut health and the microbiome in overall wellness
• What “whole food plant-based” actually means
• The most nutrient-dense foods you should be eating (hint: greens and beans)
• How to transition your diet—without overwhelm
• Practical tips for eating healthy at home, while traveling, or dining out

Whether you're plant-curious or ready to make a change, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and a realistic path forward—one plate at a time.

Vicki Brett-Gach is a Master-Certified Vegan Lifestyle Coach, plant-based culinary instructor, certified personal chef, and author of The Plant-Based for Life Cookbook. She holds certifications in Wellness Counseling from Cornell University, Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, and Culinary Coaching through Harvard Medical School and the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine.

Vicki’s recipes and expertise have been featured in Forks Over Knives Magazine, Health Science, VegWorld Magazine, and Global Vegan Magazine. Through her coaching and classes, she helps individuals and groups transition to a whole-food, plant-based lifestyle with practical, approachable strategies that support long-term health.

You can connect with Vicki and explore her recipes at her popular blog, Ann Arbor Vegan Kitchen.