Plant Based Eating for Health

Over 90% of U.S. children aren't eating enough vegetables, and the consequences are devastating.

I spoke with @MerylFury on the #PlantBasedEatingForHealth podcast, where we dug into the systemic issues behind childhood nutrition, issues that go far beyond the dinner plate.

Meryl brings decades of experience as a public health nurse and food justice advocate. We talked about how food deserts, ultra-processed school lunches, and marketing manipulation have normalized illness in kids. We also explored what real solutions look like, from SNAP reform and school policy to backyard gardens and local activism.

If you care about kids, health, or food equity, you won't want to miss this powerful conversation. Meryl brings clarity, passion, and truth to a topic that impacts us all.

Listen here: www.veganvisibility.com/143-Meryl-Fury

#HealthyKids #FoodJustice #PublicHealth #SNAP

Each year, over 70 billion land animals are slaughtered for food. While the physical health and ethical implications of this are well-documented, what often goes unnoticed are the emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual shifts that occur when someone steps away from that system and embraces a fully vegan lifestyle.

Dr. Angela Crawford, clinical psychologist and longtime vegan, appeared on the Plant Based Eating for Health podcast to discuss her groundbreaking book, The Vegan Transformation. This book goes far beyond what's on your plate. It offers insight into how living vegan creates a ripple effect through every area of a person's life.

A Research-Based Exploration of Vegan Living

The Vegan Transformation is built on a solid foundation of research. Dr. Crawford collected surveys from over 345 vegans between April 2021 and April 2022 and conducted 75 in-depth interviews over the course of a year. Her findings highlight a powerful truth: going vegan is often a catalyst for profound personal transformation.

These transformations include:

• Greater alignment between values and daily choices

• Heightened compassion toward all sentient beings

• A deeper sense of purpose and meaning

• Emotional healing from past trauma

• A stronger connection to a community of conscious, compassionate individuals

More Than a Diet — A Shift in Identity and Worldview

As someone who has lived a vegan lifestyle for several years, I've read many books on the plant-based movement. Most emphasize physical health benefits or animal ethics. But Dr. Crawford's work stands apart. She takes readers on a journey that reveals how veganism touches the soul.

Whether it's the sense of relief that comes from no longer contributing to animal suffering, or the joy of living in alignment with deeply held beliefs, The Vegan Transformation shows us that veganism is not just a diet — it's a doorway to a more peaceful, meaningful life.

Full post: www.veganvisibility.com/142-dr-angela-crawford

What happens when one rescue dog opens your heart—and your eyes—to the truth behind animal agriculture? In this powerful episode of Plant Based Eating for Health, host Kathleen Gage welcomes longtime vegan, children's book author, and animal advocate Cheryl Moss for an unforgettable conversation about compassion, change, and taking action.

Cheryl shares how adopting her beloved dog Ruby inspired a total lifestyle shift—from eating and wearing animals to founding the Better Life for Animals podcast, a show dedicated to the unsung heroes of animal sanctuaries.

Topics Covered:

• Cheryl's 20-year vegan journey sparked by love and loss

• How sanctuaries provide more than shelter—they give animals a second chance

• The story behind Cheryl's three children's books (Gabriel, Cluck, and Pickle the Pig)

• Creative ways sanctuaries raise funds—and how you can help

• Why she's donating 100% of book proceeds to Mercy For Animals

• How you can be a voice for animals without spending a dime

Full post: https://veganvisibility.com/141-Cheryl-Moss

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment about what touched you most in this conversation. Every action helps spread awareness and compassion.

How can vegan entrepreneurs amplify their impact and grow their businesses? Sandra Nomoto joins Kathleen Gage on the Plant-Based Eating for Health Podcast to share her inspiring journey from PR professional to vegan marketing expert.

In this episode, Sandra discusses:

• The evolution of her vegan-focused business.
• How publishing Vegan Marketing Success Stories skyrocketed her visibility.
• The role of AI in marketing and maintaining authenticity.
• Tips for aspiring authors and entrepreneurs looking to make an impact.

Sandra's insights provide actionable takeaways for plant-based entrepreneurs, authors, and advocates alike. If you're ready to elevate your visibility and contribute to the vegan movement, this episode is a must-watch.

Listen to the full episode here: www.VeganVisibility.com/140-Sandra-Nomoto

What does it take to truly transform your life—mind, body, and spirit? On this episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health Podcast, host Kathleen Gage welcomes Lindsey Van Wagner, wellness coach, yoga instructor, and author of Spirit Vigilante.

Lindsey's journey is a testament to the power of raising awareness, shedding old patterns, and living with purpose. This inspiring conversation dives into Lindsey's nine-year sobriety milestone, the foundation for her transformative work helping others create meaningful change. As the founder of a wellness studio in Maryland, Lindsey blends yoga, nutrition counseling, and community-focused gatherings to guide clients toward greater awareness and alignment with their goals.

Lindsey shares key insights from her book Spirit Vigilante, where she explores the importance of letting go of outdated beliefs and taking steps to uncover your authentic self. Her practical approach includes journaling, yoga, meditation, and small daily actions that lead to lasting transformation.

A plant-based lifestyle has been central to Lindsey's journey, connecting food choices to spiritual and physical well-being. Her transition to veganism highlights the ethical and energetic benefits of plant-based living for both personal and global impact. Tune in to this episode for actionable strategies and profound insights into aligning your life with your purpose.

Transformation may not always be easy, but as Lindsey reminds us, it's always worth it. Watch the episode now and start your journey toward a vibrant, purposeful life.

Full post at: www.VeganVisibility.com/139-Lindsey-Van-Wagner

What do a bulldog named Gus, a French dip sandwich, and a philosophy professor have in common? For Matt Halteman, author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan, these unexpected moments transformed his worldview and inspired his shift to veganism.

In this video, Matt Halteman shares how personal experiences and his background in philosophy led him to embrace a vegan lifestyle rooted in joy, compassion, and ethics.

What You'll Learn in This Video:

• How recognizing animals as individuals sparked Matt's ethical awakening
• The pivotal role of critical thinking and pacifist values in his journey
• How plant-based eating became a joyful culinary adventure
• Why veganism is about more than food, addressing broader issues like sustainability, worker rights, and animal welfare
• How Matt reframes veganism as an opportunity for personal growth and systemic change

Why This Matters: Matt Halteman's approach focuses on small, meaningful changes that align daily choices with values of compassion and kindness. His story invites reflection without judgment, offering a fresh perspective for anyone curious about vegan living.

Learn More: To dive deeper into Matt Halteman's philosophy, check out his book Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan. It's an engaging exploration of how veganism can enhance well-being and inspire positive change.

https://veganvisibility.com/138-Matt-Halteman

#Veganism #PlantBased #MattHalteman #HungryBeautifulAnimals #EthicalLiving #AnimalRights #Sustainability #Compassion #VeganJourney

Kathy Hester, celebrated cookbook author and plant-based cooking expert, brings a fresh perspective to plant-based cooking, blending creativity with practicality to transform everyday meals. On the Plant Based Eating for Health podcast, she captivated listeners with her expertise in using kitchen tools like slow cookers, Instant Pots, and the Ninja Creamy, proving that plant-based cooking can be both simple and exciting.

From Vegetarian Beginnings to Vegan Expertise

Kathy's journey into plant-based living began in 1983 when she became vegetarian for ethical reasons. At a time when tofu and tempeh were hard to find, Kathy honed her skills in crafting flavorful, wholesome meals at home. Years later, she transitioned to a vegan lifestyle, initially spurred by her cookbook project, which focused on veganizing traditional slow cooker recipes.

Simplifying Plant-Based Cooking with Versatile Appliances

During the podcast, Kathy addressed common fears about kitchen gadgets, particularly the Instant Pot. She emphasized the safety improvements of modern pressure cookers and shared tips for getting started. Kathy encouraged listeners to use tools like slow cookers, food processors, and blenders to simplify meal preparation, whether they're creating hearty stews or quick sauces.

Full post: www.veganvisibility.com/137-Kathy-Hester

Discover how a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet can reverse type 2 diabetes, improve health, and transform lives! In this powerful episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health Podcast, host Kathleen Gage interviews physician assistant Lewis Bertus, who shares his inspiring journey of helping patients—including his own wife—overcome diabetes through nutrition and lifestyle changes.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The science behind reversing type 2 diabetes with plant-based eating
• Why insulin resistance—not sugar—is the root cause of diabetes
• Practical tips for adopting a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet
• How food deserts and accessibility impact diabetes in marginalized communities
• The surprising connection between diet and overall health, from inflammation to heart disease

Lewis also shares his personal and professional experiences, showing how plant-based nutrition not only improves health but also aligns with compassion for animals and sustainability.

Full post at: https://www.veganvisibility.com/136-Lewis-Burtus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 80% of older adults in the United States have at least one chronic condition, and 50% have two or more. Many of these conditions—such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis—are linked to lifestyle factors, which means they can often be prevented or managed through diet and exercise. Angela Fischetti, a plant-based wellness advocate and fitness expert, is on a mission to help older adults overcome these challenges and live healthier, more vibrant lives.

A Journey Rooted in Compassion and Wellness

Angela's journey toward a plant-based lifestyle began in 1987 after reading John Robbins' Diet for a New America. Inspired by its call to action for health, animals, and the environment, she transitioned to veganism over the course of three years. Her decision was more than a dietary change—it was a complete lifestyle shift that aligned with her passion for empowering others to live well.

The Power of Movement at Any Age

Angela's expertise lies in helping older adults build strength, improve mobility, and regain confidence through fitness. Her work focuses on resistance training, yoga, and personalized wellness plans, all designed to meet the unique needs of seniors. For Angela, fitness is more than exercise—it's a tool for healing and self-discovery.

Challenging the Status Quo on Aging

Angela believes that many societal norms around aging—like accepting chronic disease as inevitable—need to be challenged. She encourages her clients to take control of their health through informed choices about diet, movement, and self-awareness.

More at: www.VeganVisibility.com/135-Angela-Fischetti

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