The Undercover Change Maker

What does it mean to be a change maker? You might envision Rosa Parks, Ghandi, and Jeff Bezos, and the list goes on and on. Perhaps tho, it’s just an ordinary person who pushes his or her limits and finds something extraordinary on the other side. Whatever being a change maker really is, there’s no doubt that in today’s world everyone wants to be the next great thing, which requires bolder and bolder acts to do so. However, sometimes being a change maker can come in a more humble version, and it is that serene style of bold that can often be the most impactful. Today we are joined by registered dietician and health coach Karin Gibson, who’s bold curiosity led to her self-discovery and becoming 100% vegan – oh and, she remained plant strong the entire time of her recent pregnancy. Bold? Most certainly. A change maker? No doubt!

Dietary Nuances Make All The Difference

Karin brings to the table a wealth of knowledge about plant based nutrition. We break down the myths behind oil and the Mediterranean diet. We discuss why it’s better in general to simply eat well instead of taking supplements – although there are times when the right supplements are critical. We discuss common pitfalls her clients face when transitioning to a better diet and how to avoid them. And finally, with Karin’s unique and pioneering personal experience, she tells us how she relied on both her research and intuition to go through her own pregnancy on a whole foods plant based diet. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Karin.

SHOWNOTES:

Karin’s health coaching and blog Grazing Greens

Some additional notes regarding vegan diet and pregnancy Karin wants to share:

* All vegans need to ensure they have adequate intake of vitamin B12 but this is especially critical during pregnancy and lactation as a deficiency in the mothers diet can result in serious complications for the baby. It is best to rely on a reliable source such as a daily or weekly supplement.

* During the first three months of pregnancy, and even before conception, it is important to meet the recommended daily intake of folate to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Plants are naturally high in folate so a plant-based diet is already of advantage, but to be on the safe side it is recommended to combine eating folate rich foods with a supplement of folate (or folic acid) during the first three months.

* All vegans need to ensure they have adequate intake of vitamin D and this is also important during pregnancy, especially during the winter months when you can’t rely on the Vitamin D production in the skin from sunshine. During the winter a supplement is preferred.

* Recommendations regarding e.g. caffeine, alcohol, herbal supplements etc. are the same for vegans as other pregnant women.  

Dr. Greger’s website is filled with all the plant-based Nutrition Facts you need to know!

Other episodes you might enjoy: TPP 020 our interview with Marc Wood (plant-based health coach) and TPP 023 our reflection episode all about our otillo adventure.

Nutpods on sale at Thrive Market, get a free month membership and 20% off with Thrive Market: just click here

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