Plant Based Eating for Health

Americans consume over 60% of their calories from ultra-processed foods, according to a study published in The BMJ. Julie Davis, a former aerospace engineer, was once among them. Fueled by fast food, sugary coffees, and Coke floats, her diet left her feeling decades older than her age. She had no idea the profound impact her food choices were having on her health—until a series of eye-opening moments set her on a transformative journey.

A Diet of Fast Food and Fatigue

Julie’s health struggles began in her early 20s while working as an airplane refueler at an airport. Living on burgers, fries, and ice cream sodas, she found herself constantly fatigued despite her active lifestyle. “I was 21 years old but felt like I was 80,” Julie recalls. Hiking, a passion of hers, became a chore as she struggled to muster the energy for even short trails.

Years later, as a busy engineer, she attempted to shed extra pounds through fad diets and SlimFast shakes but found no lasting success. “I thought I was the unlucky sister, the one who was just big-boned,” Julie says. It wasn’t until 2008, when she stumbled upon Food Revolution by John Robbins at a vegan diner, that the pieces began to fall into place.

Opening Her Eyes to a New Way of Living

Robbins’ book introduced Julie to the environmental and ethical implications of food choices, sparking her curiosity to learn more. Over the years, she devoured resources like Jonathan Safran Foer’s Eating Animals, the documentary Forks Over Knives, and works by plant-based experts like Dr. Michael Greger and Dr. Joel Fuhrman.

Despite her growing knowledge, Julie didn’t fully commit to a plant-based lifestyle right away. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that she decided to make a permanent change. Motivated by a desire to protect her family’s health, she transitioned from “80% vegan” to 100% plant-based, and the results were life-changing.

From Engineer to Plant-Based Health Coach

Julie’s transformation didn’t stop at her personal life. After leaving her engineering career to raise her children, she began exploring ways to turn her passion for plant-based living into a career. Returning to school, she earned a Master’s degree in lifestyle health sciences and coaching, equipping herself with the tools to help others achieve their health goals.

Today, Julie Davis Coaching focuses on women aged 40 and older, guiding them through a 12-week transition to plant-based eating. Her approach emphasizes gradual, sustainable changes, starting with simple habits like modifying breakfast and building a supportive environment. Full post at: https://www.veganvisibility.com/134-Julie-Davis 

Dr. Carol Wroblewski, once approaching 300 pounds, has transformed her health journey into a mission to help others achieve sustainable wellness. As a guest on Plant Based Eating for Health podcast, hosted by Kathleen Gage, Dr. Wroblewski shares her inspiring shift from battling personal health struggles to guiding others through the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of how compassionate choices can lead to lasting health and resilience.

Dr. Wroblewski’s journey toward health began in 2005, during a time of personal struggle. Her weight had reached nearly 300 pounds, and her doctor warned her that serious health complications would follow unless she made a change. Faced with this turning point, Dr. Wroblewski committed to losing weight naturally and sustainably. She first focused on removing sugar and limiting her meals to three structured, balanced servings each day. This approach helped her gradually release over 100 pounds—a weight loss she has maintained for nearly two decades.

With years of experience counseling patients before and after bariatric surgery, Dr. Wroblewski has become a trusted resource in the field. Rather than undergoing surgery herself, she focused on addressing the emotional and mental aspects of weight loss with her patients. Her expertise helps individuals understand that true, lasting change often requires mental shifts alongside physical efforts. She also highlights the importance of sustainable, plant-based eating as a healthier alternative to processed foods and quick fixes.

Full post: www.VeganVisibility.com/133-Carol-Wroblewski

It’s not every day that you encounter someone who has devoted virtually their entire life to veganism. Charlotte Cressey, founder of The Vegan Paradigm Shift, embodies this commitment. Charlotte’s journey began at an incredibly young age, sparked by a loving connection with her family dog, Whimsy. At just three years old, she had a moment of realization that the animals on her plate were no different than her beloved pets. This early awareness set her on a lifelong path to advocate for animals, nature, and compassionate living.

By age twelve, Charlotte fully identified as vegan, a commitment born not just from her innate empathy but also from a deep and early understanding of ethical principles. Her journey to veganism was gradual, shaped by intense personal experiences and a natural inclination to question societal norms. Through The Vegan Paradigm Shift, Charlotte seeks to guide others toward that same transformation, one rooted in love, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to kindness.

A Spiritual Connection to Veganism

Charlotte’s vegan journey intertwines deeply with her spiritual path. Raised with a natural curiosity about the world beyond the physical, she felt a unique connection to both the animal kingdom and the spirit realm. “Life is not just this physical, tangible world,” she explains, describing how this early spiritual sensitivity developed into a profound sense of responsibility for all living beings. The vegan lifestyle, for Charlotte, is not merely a dietary choice but a holistic way of life that aligns body, mind, and spirit with the values of non-violence and universal love.

Exploring Eco-Feminism: Reclaiming Compassion for All Beings

Central to Charlotte’s philosophy is eco-feminism—a framework that examines the interconnected exploitation of women, animals, and nature. She explains that in many cultures, women and animals are both marginalized and objectified, often viewed as resources to be used rather than beings to be respected. Eco-feminism sheds light on how the language we use and the cultural norms we follow perpetuate these beliefs, and it seeks to reframe these relationships through a lens of respect and cooperation. Charlotte believes that the domination of animals and the environment is inherently tied to societal gender biases, and by recognizing these patterns, we can foster a more compassionate world.

Full post: https://veganvisibility.com/132-Charlotte-Cressey 

Research shows that a whole food, plant-based diet combined with regular strength training can drastically improve overall health, from reducing inflammation to enhancing muscle recovery and longevity. Karina Inkster, a vegan fitness expert, embodies these beliefs and benefits. In a recent interview on the Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast, hosted by Kathleen Gage, Karina shared her inspiring journey as a vegan of 21 years, offering insights on fitness, aging, and how to thrive on a plant-based diet.

Karina’s commitment to veganism began at the age of 16, driven by her desire to take a stand against animal cruelty. Her journey started even earlier, at 11, when she went vegetarian. Despite the lack of today’s resources like YouTube or social media, she educated herself by spending hours in libraries, and over time, she realized the deep connections between meat, dairy, and eggs. This led to her full transition to veganism. "Once I connected the dots, I went vegan immediately," Karina explained.

With the rise of social media, Karina has encountered trolls and negative comments about veganism. Instead of letting these interactions drag her down, she has turned them into opportunities for education. "I engage with trolls for my own amusement and to educate others who may be reading," Karina shared. She knows she’s unlikely to change the minds of those actively trolling, but her focus is on the potential impact her responses might have on silent observers.

Her advice for others? Manage your expectations. If engaging with trolls negatively impacts your mental health, avoid it altogether. Instead, like Karina, use these encounters as fuel for content, whether blog posts or educational social media responses.

Karina is not only a fitness expert but also a prolific author with five books to her name. Her favorite book, The Vegan Athlete, is the updated edition of her debut, Vegan Vitality. While some of her books came to life through her publisher’s requests, The Vegan Athlete is a passion project, focusing on scientific research and practical tips for vegan athletes. 

For aspiring authors who feel overwhelmed by the idea of writing a full book, Karina’s advice is simple: start small. "A lot of people get stuck thinking they have to write a whole book all at once. But if you break it down, write one page a day, or a couple of pages a week, you’ll get there."

Full post at:  www.veganvisibility.com/131-karina-inkster

The evidence supporting the power of plant-based diets to prevent and reverse chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes continues to grow. On a recent episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast, host Kathleen Gage interviewed personal trainer and health coach Kate Galli, who shared her insights into how lifestyle changes, particularly a whole food, plant-based diet, can dramatically improve health outcomes.

The Gap in Nutrition Education for Health Care Professionals

Despite the significant role nutrition plays in managing and preventing chronic conditions, many health care professionals receive little to no formal training in this area. Both Galli and Gage touched on the concerning fact that doctors, nurses, and other health professionals are often left to seek nutrition information on their own, despite the overwhelming evidence that lifestyle choices can make a huge difference in health.

Galli noted that this trend is not just a problem in the United States but is also prevalent in Australia. She expressed her belief that more time should be allocated to teaching health care professionals about the impact of nutrition on chronic diseases. "If lifestyle factors can be 80 to 90% of what prevents and cures our biggest killers, then nutrition should be a priority in medical education," Galli emphasized.

Working with Families and Raising Vegan Children

Galli discussed the challenges families face when raising vegan children in a world where animal-based foods are often the norm. While she has worked primarily with adult clients, Galli shared her concern over the false narratives often given to children regarding where their food comes from.

She emphasized the importance of being truthful with children and supporting their natural compassion. For families considering raising vegan children, Galli recommends connecting with professionals who have successfully done so, as they can offer both guidance and credibility.

Onboarding New Clients: The Importance of Values and Goals

As a seasoned personal trainer, Galli detailed her approach to onboarding new clients, whether they are transitioning to plant-based eating or seeking to improve their overall health. During the initial consultation, Galli prioritizes understanding the client’s core values and emotional motivations behind their health goals.

"Knowing the 'why' is essential," Galli explained. This not only helps clients stay focused but also allows her to support them more effectively when they face challenges or experience a dip in motivation. Galli has found that clients who start with strong emotional connections to their goals are more likely to succeed in the long term.

At age 46, Lauren Bernick faced a startling health reality: her arteries were severely blocked, and her doctor told her that nothing could reverse her condition. Despite already following what she believed was a healthy diet, Lauren's cholesterol remained dangerously high. Refusing to accept a lifetime of medication, Lauren discovered Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn’s Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease diet. She committed fully to a whole food, plant-based, oil-free lifestyle—and in just a few years, she reversed her heart disease and transformed her health. 

In this episode, Lauren shares her remarkable journey from being told there was no hope to achieving a complete health transformation. As the founder of Well Elephant and host of the Age Like a Badass Mother podcast, Lauren now helps others take control of their health by embracing a whole food, plant-based diet.

Tune in to hear Lauren's story of overcoming high cholesterol and heart disease, and learn actionable steps you can take to improve your own health with plant-based nutrition.

https://veganvisibility.com/129-lauren-bernick 

In a world where ethical living is becoming more critical than ever, Mitali Deypurkaystha, widely known as "The Vegan Publisher," is helping shape the narrative for vegan and plant-based entrepreneurs. As the founder of Tell Your Story Publishing and The Vegan Publisher, Mitali is on a mission to empower ethical business owners to share their impactful stories through books. Her work goes beyond publishing; it's about advocating for a better world by amplifying voices that promote sustainability, compassion, and health.

In her recent interview with host, Kathleen Gage, on the Plant-Based Eating for Health Podcast, Mitali shared her unique journey to veganism, how she built a thriving publishing business, and how AI is revolutionizing the industry. Her passion for storytelling and commitment to the vegan movement have made her a key figure in helping others tell their stories to drive change and inspire action.

The episode dives deep into Mitali’s personal transformation, beginning with an unexpected encounter that changed her views on animals, and ultimately led her down the path of veganism. It also explores the future of publishing, where Mitali has embraced AI technology to streamline book creation and enhance visibility for ethical entrepreneurs.

From her professional work as a publisher to her ethical stance as a vegan, Mitali's journey offers valuable insights for anyone looking to make an impact in the world through their story.

www.VeganVisibility.com/128-Mitali-Deypurkaystha

Bryan Bell, founder of Conscious Fitness, has transformed not only his physique but his entire approach to health, fitness, and nutrition. After years of inconsistent workouts and chronic back pain, Bryan found that traditional weightlifting at the gym just didn’t align with his mind-body philosophy. His discovery of bodyweight calisthenics workouts and plant-based nutrition changed everything, allowing him to build lean muscle, increase mobility, and release emotional stress.

From Struggle to Strength

Bryan’s journey started like many others—struggling with fluctuating fitness routines and poor dietary choices. After a trial of fruit and vegetable cleanses, he realized the immense benefits of a whole food, plant-based diet. Pairing this nutritional approach with bodyweight training, he saw incredible changes both physically and mentally. Bryan now helps others bypass the trial-and-error phase, offering coaching that integrates personalized bodyweight resistance training and a plant-based diet.

The Power of Plant-Based Nutrition

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in Bryan’s approach. After initially adopting a vegetarian diet in 2012 and then transitioning to veganism, Bryan experienced the profound health benefits of plant-based eating. His philosophy emphasizes that by eating nutrient-dense, plant-based meals, people can fuel their bodies for strength, energy, and longevity.

A Holistic Approach to Fitness

Bryan’s fitness system is built on bodyweight resistance training, which he finds more accessible than traditional weightlifting. Whether at home or while traveling, Bryan’s approach doesn’t require expensive gym memberships or equipment, making it ideal for those with busy lifestyles. His workouts focus on functional movements, increasing strength and flexibility while promoting mental clarity and stress relief.

Coaching to Transform Lives

Through his one-on-one coaching, Bryan guides clients toward their fitness and health goals using personalized programs. His coaching extends beyond just physical fitness; it’s about creating sustainable lifestyle habits. With his experience, Bryan offers accountability, structure, and the tools to achieve real, lasting transformation.

Unlock Your Own Transformation Today

Whether your goal is to build strength, lose weight, or simply live a healthier, more balanced life, Bryan Bell’s Conscious Fitness can help you achieve that transformation. His holistic approach and dedication to helping others make him a trusted guide for those ready to commit to lasting health and wellness.

https://veganvisibility.com/127-bryan-bell

Did you know that nearly 40% of adults worldwide are classified as overweight, and this figure is expected to rise to 50% in the next decade? This alarming trend highlights the need for a shift in how we approach health and nutrition.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Frank Sabatino, a pioneer in the plant-based movement with over five decades of experience, on the Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast. Dr. Sabatino shared invaluable insights into how a whole food, plant-based lifestyle can not only prevent but reverse chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.

What makes Dr. Sabatino’s approach truly impactful is his focus on compassionate, sustainable living. His philosophy extends beyond personal health—it's about making choices that benefit animals, the environment, and future generations. From his expertise in water fasting to his research-backed insights on weight loss, Dr. Sabatino provides a comprehensive look at how we can achieve long-term health and vitality.

If you're interested in learning more about how plant-based living can transform your health and contribute to a more compassionate world, I encourage you to listen to the full interview. You can tune in here: www.VeganVisibility.com/126-Dr-Frank-Sabatino.

#PlantBased #HealthTransformation #CompassionateLiving #VeganVisibility #HealthyAging 

An Astonishing Fact: Diabetes Can Be Reversed

Did you know that Type II diabetes, a condition often thought to require lifelong medication, can actually be reversed through a plant-based diet? This incredible insight, along with many others, was shared by Peggy Kraus, an expert in reversing diabetes and promoting plant-based nutrition, on the Plant Based Eating for Health podcast, hosted by Kathleen Gage.

In this episode, Peggy dives deep into the power of plant-based eating and how it can transform lives. With a background in exercise physiology and plant-based nutrition, Peggy's mission is to help individuals reclaim their health by making smarter food choices.

Peggy Kraus has spent over 15 years working with individuals diagnosed with Type II diabetes, helping them regain control over their health without the use of excessive medication. Peggy’s work with the Wellness Foundation, where she interacted with plant-based pioneers such as Dr. Joel Fuhrman and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, solidified her passion for whole food, plant-based nutrition.

Her research and real-world experience have shown that people can successfully reverse Type II diabetes through dietary changes. Peggy firmly believes that Type II diabetes is not a lifelong sentence and that it’s possible to eliminate the need for medications through a shift to healthy, plant-based eating.

During the podcast episode, Peggy shared her own journey into plant-based living, which began in 2005. At the time, there were very few resources available for those looking to transition away from animal products. Peggy's experience working alongside top medical professionals in the plant-based world helped her realize the profound impact of this lifestyle on chronic diseases like diabetes.

According to Peggy, one of the most important things people can do to improve their health is to reduce or eliminate the consumption of animal products and processed foods. In doing so, they can prevent, and in many cases, reverse chronic conditions such as Type II diabetes.

Type II diabetes is often seen as a progressive, lifelong condition requiring medication to manage. However, Peggy explained on the podcast that Type II diabetes is actually a diet-driven disease. By cutting out high-fat, processed foods and embracing a whole food, plant-based diet, individuals can eliminate excess fat from their muscle tissue, which helps to restore insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.

Peggy detailed how she has seen people reverse their diabetes in just a matter of weeks by making these changes. She emphasized that with the right guidance and dedication, anyone can significantly improve their health and even eliminate the need for diabetes medications.

https://VeganVisibility.com/125-Peggy-Kraus