![Photo of Linda Arpino, MA, RD, CDN, FAND, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/5907fc0e-551f-4f7c-9df5-cb5b3545e21c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Linda Arpino speaks both in the USA and globally to provide programs on plant based nutrition in chronic disease prevention.
The Life Focus Nutrition Centers are a comprehensive nutrition practice specializing in individual and family nutrition counseling specializations in plant-based nutrition, weight management, cholesterol and cardia management, adolescent and pediatric nutrition (autism, failure to thrive, picky eaters, food allergies, and weight control), gastrointestinal diseases (food sensitivities,IBS, Crohn's, Colitis, reflux), diabetes, sports nutrition, pregnancy related issues & oncology. Our focus is to help empower individuals and families to making sustainable food choices for you and your planet to be healthy!
Linda Arpino speaks both in the USA and globally to provide programs on plant based nutrition in chronic disease prevention.
The Life Focus Nutrition Centers are a comprehensive nutrition practice specializing in individual and family nutrition counseling specializations in plant-based nutrition, weight management, cholesterol and cardia management, adolescent and pediatric nutrition (autism, failure to thrive, picky eaters, food allergies, and weight control), gastrointestinal diseases (food sensitivities,IBS, Crohn's, Colitis, reflux), diabetes, sports nutrition, pregnancy related issues & oncology. Our focus is to help empower individuals and families to making sustainable food choices for you and your planet to be healthy!
![Photo of Gail Mayer, RD, CDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/de2f4903-8d60-469c-be6a-dc1e99ebc86f/2/320x400.jpeg)
Expertise in: Weight loss, High blood pressure, Optimal diets for children, Weight gain, Mobility improvement, Recovery from chronic illness, Specialized eating plans, Plant-based diets.
Gail Mayer is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a passion for improving people's lives through good nutrition. With a strong background in scientific research, Gail uses the most up-to-date scientific evidence to create eating plans for her clients which are customized to their lifestyle and goals as well as their medical conditions. She can work with you to design a meal plan that's easy, delicious, and helps you accomplish your health and wellness goals. Gail will provide you with the education and tools to succeed in harnessing the power of food to achieve the most optimal health possible.
Expertise in: Weight loss, High blood pressure, Optimal diets for children, Weight gain, Mobility improvement, Recovery from chronic illness, Specialized eating plans, Plant-based diets.
Gail Mayer is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a passion for improving people's lives through good nutrition. With a strong background in scientific research, Gail uses the most up-to-date scientific evidence to create eating plans for her clients which are customized to their lifestyle and goals as well as their medical conditions. She can work with you to design a meal plan that's easy, delicious, and helps you accomplish your health and wellness goals. Gail will provide you with the education and tools to succeed in harnessing the power of food to achieve the most optimal health possible.
![Photo of Lisa R. Young - Dr. Lisa Young Nutrition, PhD, RDN, CDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/3b4f184f-dea2-4f90-aff5-432446289413/3/320x400.jpeg)
Do you want to eat healthier, lose weight, or simply feel better? Yes, it's possible and I can help you. I am an internationally recognized registered dietitian nutritionist, adjunct professor at NYU, & author of Finally Full, Finally Slim & The Portion Teller Plan. I counsel adults, children and families on weight loss, a range of medical nutrition issues, wellness, and behavior modification (VIRTUAL appointments available.) I design individualized programs unique to YOU based on your health & medical needs, lifestyle, and food preferences. As a seasoned professional, I focus on the whole person, integrating mind, body and spirit.
Do you want to eat healthier, lose weight, or simply feel better? Yes, it's possible and I can help you. I am an internationally recognized registered dietitian nutritionist, adjunct professor at NYU, & author of Finally Full, Finally Slim & The Portion Teller Plan. I counsel adults, children and families on weight loss, a range of medical nutrition issues, wellness, and behavior modification (VIRTUAL appointments available.) I design individualized programs unique to YOU based on your health & medical needs, lifestyle, and food preferences. As a seasoned professional, I focus on the whole person, integrating mind, body and spirit.
Mahtab Soleimanzadeh Rd Cdn Cpt
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDN, CPT
Verified Verified
Great Neck, NY 11021
WE HAVE HELPED MANY PATIENTS REVERSE CHRONIC CONDITIONS LIKE DIABETES, HIGH CHOLESTEROL, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, OBESITY, GAS AND BLOATING, ACID REFLUX AND GET OFF MEDICATIONS.
WE HAVE HELPED MANY PATIENTS REVERSE CHRONIC CONDITIONS LIKE DIABETES, HIGH CHOLESTEROL, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, OBESITY, GAS AND BLOATING, ACID REFLUX AND GET OFF MEDICATIONS.
![Photo of Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDE, CDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/f178fef1-ff43-4d50-b71c-7f7754c3f3a2/3/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Routhenstein
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RD, CDE, CDN
Verified Verified
Great Neck, NY 11021 (Online Only)
I work with adults, and their families to prevent future heart attacks and strokes using science based nutrition. I work with individuals who have heart disease or at risk of heart attacks by improving their cardiometabolic metrics and vascular health. I also see individuals with various heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation (Afib), aortic root dilation, abdominal aortic aneurysms, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, increased calcium score, familial hypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I create personalized science based nutrition programs and packages with a high success rate.
I work with adults, and their families to prevent future heart attacks and strokes using science based nutrition. I work with individuals who have heart disease or at risk of heart attacks by improving their cardiometabolic metrics and vascular health. I also see individuals with various heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation (Afib), aortic root dilation, abdominal aortic aneurysms, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, increased calcium score, familial hypercholesterolemia, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. I create personalized science based nutrition programs and packages with a high success rate.
![Photo of Shana Maleeff - FoodandFitnessPro, LLC, MA, RD, CDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/594b3d30-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
FoodandFitnessPro, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MA, RD, CDN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hicksville, NY 11801
I specialize in weight loss and transformation, helping people to boost their metabolism, increase energy, improve sleep, increase confidence, and look and feel better. I also have 16+ years of experience working with diabetes, prediabetes, PCOS, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, fitness/sports nutrition, GI disorders, and more. I individualize meal plans and programs to fit your lifestyle and preferences and get you the results you are looking for. I use tools like metabolic testing and body fat testing to gain further insights into your unique physiology to individualize your program and goals.
I specialize in weight loss and transformation, helping people to boost their metabolism, increase energy, improve sleep, increase confidence, and look and feel better. I also have 16+ years of experience working with diabetes, prediabetes, PCOS, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, fitness/sports nutrition, GI disorders, and more. I individualize meal plans and programs to fit your lifestyle and preferences and get you the results you are looking for. I use tools like metabolic testing and body fat testing to gain further insights into your unique physiology to individualize your program and goals.
![Photo of Jillian Mergruen, RD, CDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/1df668ae-1b47-47ca-afc5-132df58a2ee6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jillian Mergruen
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDN
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Syosset, NY 11791 (Online Only)
If you are struggling with your relationship with food, movement or your body, we might be a good fit to work together! I am a registered dietitian based in New York City who specializes in disordered eating and eating disorder treatment as well as other nutrition-related issues, like diabetes and GI nutrition. If you often feel pre-occupied with food or your body, struggle with feeling chaotic or in control around food, or if it feels hard to feel confident in your food choices, we can do this work together! I am here to support you in finding peace with food and your body. My goal is to help you do sustainable work with support!
If you are struggling with your relationship with food, movement or your body, we might be a good fit to work together! I am a registered dietitian based in New York City who specializes in disordered eating and eating disorder treatment as well as other nutrition-related issues, like diabetes and GI nutrition. If you often feel pre-occupied with food or your body, struggle with feeling chaotic or in control around food, or if it feels hard to feel confident in your food choices, we can do this work together! I am here to support you in finding peace with food and your body. My goal is to help you do sustainable work with support!
Eric Meredith is a Registered Dietitian, Classically Trained Chef, and Certified Personal Trainer with over 10 years' experience working with a wide variety of clients including Type 1 and 2 diabetics, athletes, cancer survivors, individuals with digestive disorders, and those who are looking to better manage their weight. Eric graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Master of Education. He is also a Certified Health Education Specialist. Eric enjoys working one-on-one with clients to tailor their eating habits to support their individual health.
Eric Meredith is a Registered Dietitian, Classically Trained Chef, and Certified Personal Trainer with over 10 years' experience working with a wide variety of clients including Type 1 and 2 diabetics, athletes, cancer survivors, individuals with digestive disorders, and those who are looking to better manage their weight. Eric graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Master of Science in Human Nutrition and Master of Education. He is also a Certified Health Education Specialist. Eric enjoys working one-on-one with clients to tailor their eating habits to support their individual health.
![Photo of Asal Hakim - Pro Nutrition Counseling PLLC- Asal Hakim RD CDN, RD, CDN, CPT, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/95358be3-479b-4aa0-b4ed-a71910f14bc1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pro Nutrition Counseling PLLC- Asal Hakim RD CDN
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RD, CDN, CPT
Verified Verified
Garden City, NY 11530
Pro Nutrition Counseling PLLC., is a known health practice that provides nutritional counseling and approaches weight loss & healthy weight weight management in the setting of pre/post bariatric surgery, diabetes, eating disorders, oncology, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, gastrointestinal issues and other nutrition related diseases through patient-centered medical nutrition therapy & nutrition counseling. Giving you an abundance of practical tips and important resources for optimal eating and living, we use practical lifestyle and preventive approach to improving your health!
Pro Nutrition Counseling PLLC., is a known health practice that provides nutritional counseling and approaches weight loss & healthy weight weight management in the setting of pre/post bariatric surgery, diabetes, eating disorders, oncology, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, gastrointestinal issues and other nutrition related diseases through patient-centered medical nutrition therapy & nutrition counseling. Giving you an abundance of practical tips and important resources for optimal eating and living, we use practical lifestyle and preventive approach to improving your health!
![Photo of Laura Henry - One Potato Two Tomato, MS, RDN, LDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/e7fb32bb-aca6-49e5-84e3-489134113b6b/4/320x400.jpeg)
One Potato Two Tomato
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, LDN
Verified Verified
Syosset, NY 11791 (Online Only)
Hello, My Name is Laura Henry MS,RDN,CDN,LDN. I am a Telehealth Nutriton Pediatric-Adolescent Registered Dietitian with over 15 years of expertise in child, adolescent and family nutrition. Kids & Teens are my Jam! I understand the ins and outs of how different nutrients impact a child's growth and development in a healthy or nutrition disease state. My passion lies in empowering parents, children and adolescents with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices about nutrition. I enjoy teaching and educating the nuances of nutrition science to parents and children in a way thats accessible, relatable and easy to understand.
Hello, My Name is Laura Henry MS,RDN,CDN,LDN. I am a Telehealth Nutriton Pediatric-Adolescent Registered Dietitian with over 15 years of expertise in child, adolescent and family nutrition. Kids & Teens are my Jam! I understand the ins and outs of how different nutrients impact a child's growth and development in a healthy or nutrition disease state. My passion lies in empowering parents, children and adolescents with the knowledge and tools to make informed choices about nutrition. I enjoy teaching and educating the nuances of nutrition science to parents and children in a way thats accessible, relatable and easy to understand.
![Photo of Marsha N Tucker-Scott - MTS Nutrition Services LLC, MS RDN , CDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/a047e504-c91f-4d92-9c70-08f132ab3b4d/3/320x400.jpeg)
MTS Nutrition Services LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS RDN , CDN
Verified Verified
West Hempstead, NY 11552
I do believe that, a healthy body begins with a healthy mind. At MTS Nutrition Services, the goal is to motivate my clients to change their mindset, about, their relationship with food and overall wellness. Transform the mind, and eating habits. After motivation and transformation, the next step is to sustain lifestyle changes for a positive health outcome.
I do believe that, a healthy body begins with a healthy mind. At MTS Nutrition Services, the goal is to motivate my clients to change their mindset, about, their relationship with food and overall wellness. Transform the mind, and eating habits. After motivation and transformation, the next step is to sustain lifestyle changes for a positive health outcome.
![Photo of Lana Zinger, EdD, RD, CHES, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/5a6b71af-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Lana Zinger is a Professor of Nutrition, Public Health and Health Coaching. She is a well known author of many textbooks and peer reviewed research articles as well as a national speaker on health and nutrition. She holds a B.S. in Nutrition from NYU, a M.S in Nutrition and Physiology from Columbia University and a Doctorate in Health and Behavior Studies from Columbia University. She is a Registered Dietitian with many years of clinical experience including obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, eating disorders. She is a Certified LEAP therapist to TEST and treat food intolerances.
Dr. Lana Zinger is a Professor of Nutrition, Public Health and Health Coaching. She is a well known author of many textbooks and peer reviewed research articles as well as a national speaker on health and nutrition. She holds a B.S. in Nutrition from NYU, a M.S in Nutrition and Physiology from Columbia University and a Doctorate in Health and Behavior Studies from Columbia University. She is a Registered Dietitian with many years of clinical experience including obesity, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, eating disorders. She is a Certified LEAP therapist to TEST and treat food intolerances.
![Photo of Natasha S Hescott - Hescott Nutrition Services, LLC, RDN, CDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/005ed3db-15ac-4b9b-b63b-393606480264/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hescott Nutrition Services, LLC
Nutritionist/Dietitian, RDN, CDN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brooklyn, NY 11234
Hescott Nutrition Services offer nutrition services and holistic health coaching for chronic disease prevention. With 10 plus years of experience working with a diverse population, she believes in using patient-centered care and a culturally sensitive approach to helping each client reach their individualized nutrition goals. Research shows that the leading causes of death and disability in America are modifiable chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and stroke with key lifestyle risk factors being poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, tobacco, and excessive alcohol use.
Hescott Nutrition Services offer nutrition services and holistic health coaching for chronic disease prevention. With 10 plus years of experience working with a diverse population, she believes in using patient-centered care and a culturally sensitive approach to helping each client reach their individualized nutrition goals. Research shows that the leading causes of death and disability in America are modifiable chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and stroke with key lifestyle risk factors being poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, tobacco, and excessive alcohol use.
![Photo of Ashley Beale, MPH, RDN, CDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/d5fe9a91-f823-4fda-90b5-43f15f5bfae9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Beale
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MPH, RDN, CDN
Verified Verified
Brooklyn, NY 11208 (Online Only)
Hi! My name is Ashley (she/her) and I am a Registered Dietitian based out of New York City. I am the owner of Ashley Beale Nutrition where I practice through a weight-inclusive, all-foods-fit, and trauma-informed approach. I respect and appreciate body diversity, knowing that no two individual’s needs are alike. I believe in a collaborative relationship with my clients where we work together to find what works best for them. Whether you are working on your recovery from an eating disorder or learning how to navigate food with a chronic illness, there is no “right” way to start this journey.
Hi! My name is Ashley (she/her) and I am a Registered Dietitian based out of New York City. I am the owner of Ashley Beale Nutrition where I practice through a weight-inclusive, all-foods-fit, and trauma-informed approach. I respect and appreciate body diversity, knowing that no two individual’s needs are alike. I believe in a collaborative relationship with my clients where we work together to find what works best for them. Whether you are working on your recovery from an eating disorder or learning how to navigate food with a chronic illness, there is no “right” way to start this journey.
![Photo of Stephanie Bostic, PhD, RDN, CDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/19214e2a-4699-4646-9995-94ab3b947a54/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stephanie Bostic
Nutritionist/Dietitian, PhD, RDN, CDN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Flushing, NY 11368
Stephanie’s practice centers around evidence-based nutrition support for complex physical and mental health conditions provided in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. She combines >10 years of academic experience in nutrition–including a PhD from Cornell + research at Harvard and Tufts–with her personal passion for providing practical support to diverse patient populations. Specialties include mental health, eating disorders / disordered eating, GI and digestive diseases, food preferences and allergies including Celiac, weight neutral care, liver health, POTS, and RED-S, and other chronic health conditions.
Stephanie’s practice centers around evidence-based nutrition support for complex physical and mental health conditions provided in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. She combines >10 years of academic experience in nutrition–including a PhD from Cornell + research at Harvard and Tufts–with her personal passion for providing practical support to diverse patient populations. Specialties include mental health, eating disorders / disordered eating, GI and digestive diseases, food preferences and allergies including Celiac, weight neutral care, liver health, POTS, and RED-S, and other chronic health conditions.
![Photo of Katrina Trisko, MS, RD, CDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/222f1adc-62ce-462a-af4a-67e49548265c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Working with Katrina is like having a confidante and cheerleader in your back pocket. Her approach is non-judgmental, supportive, and encouraging. Katrina has gained experience working with and counseling individuals from all walks of life at a non-profit community nutrition program and private practice doctors office. Since then, Katrina has sharpened her counseling and coaching skills by working exclusively with clients 1:1, and is eager to work hand in hand with you to help you reach your goals.
Working with Katrina is like having a confidante and cheerleader in your back pocket. Her approach is non-judgmental, supportive, and encouraging. Katrina has gained experience working with and counseling individuals from all walks of life at a non-profit community nutrition program and private practice doctors office. Since then, Katrina has sharpened her counseling and coaching skills by working exclusively with clients 1:1, and is eager to work hand in hand with you to help you reach your goals.
![Photo of Erica Leon - Erica Leon Nutrition and Associates, MS, RDN, CEDRD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/76c214af-55dd-47a4-88bc-bd88c0370d2d/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erica Leon Nutrition and Associates
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CEDRD
Verified Verified
Rye, NY 10580
If you struggle with an eating disorder, disordered eating, chronic dieting, or other health conditions, you have come to the right place. We believe that difficult relationships with food and body image are barriers to living life fully. We are passionate about helping our clients develop a positive relationship with food and body image through a weight-inclusive, individualized approach. We offer you a safe and non-judgmental space for healing,
If you struggle with an eating disorder, disordered eating, chronic dieting, or other health conditions, you have come to the right place. We believe that difficult relationships with food and body image are barriers to living life fully. We are passionate about helping our clients develop a positive relationship with food and body image through a weight-inclusive, individualized approach. We offer you a safe and non-judgmental space for healing,
![Photo of Lisa Stollman, MA, RDN, CDECES, CDN, CLT, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/b9abd0c9-6894-4101-b02e-391d84b6ad2b/1/320x400.png)
Lisa Stollman
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MA, RDN, CDECES, CDN, CLT
Verified Verified
Lloyd Harbor, NY 11743
Do you have diabetes, inflammation, or digestive problems? If you are ready to regain your health and feel better, I can help you. We will work together to develop the best nutrition plan for you and implement it to fit your lifestyle. Are you ready feel great and enjoy better health? Call me at 631/364-0366 to schedule an appointment.
Do you have diabetes, inflammation, or digestive problems? If you are ready to regain your health and feel better, I can help you. We will work together to develop the best nutrition plan for you and implement it to fit your lifestyle. Are you ready feel great and enjoy better health? Call me at 631/364-0366 to schedule an appointment.
![Photo of Danielle Swierczyna, MS, RDN, CDN, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/a717dcb1-f4b4-43dc-a7f4-15404fd152ee/1/320x400.jpeg)
Danielle Swierczyna
Nutritionist/Dietitian, MS, RDN, CDN
Verified Verified
Long Island City, NY 11102 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Are you struggling with digestive issues, high blood glucose, or a chronic medical condition and wondering what to eat to improve your symptoms? Is a medical condition preventing you from enjoying your eating. With a background as a clinical dietitian in the hospital setting, I have helped many clients just like you achieve health and symptom management. I have had a passion for cooking (and eating) amazing food since high school and I knew it would be a big part of my career. This passion helps me empower my clients to make small changes to their lives gradually that create big impacts in their life & health.
Are you struggling with digestive issues, high blood glucose, or a chronic medical condition and wondering what to eat to improve your symptoms? Is a medical condition preventing you from enjoying your eating. With a background as a clinical dietitian in the hospital setting, I have helped many clients just like you achieve health and symptom management. I have had a passion for cooking (and eating) amazing food since high school and I knew it would be a big part of my career. This passion helps me empower my clients to make small changes to their lives gradually that create big impacts in their life & health.
![Photo of Danielle Gaffen - Eat Well Crohn's Colitis, MS, RDN, LD, Nutritionist/Dietitian](https://photos.healthprofs.com/cfd58c7a-0100-4439-b78c-866e4a397786/2/320x400.jpeg)
Struggling with confusion around what to eat to manage your IBD symptoms? Has this led to a limited diet, weight loss, and/or fatigue? I help my clients implement a highly personalized nutrition plan that brings clarity around which foods to add that may be beneficial, reduces fear and anxiety around eating, reduces inflammation, and ultimately helps them to get their lives back. We can work together to help you live your best life, starting right now.
Struggling with confusion around what to eat to manage your IBD symptoms? Has this led to a limited diet, weight loss, and/or fatigue? I help my clients implement a highly personalized nutrition plan that brings clarity around which foods to add that may be beneficial, reduces fear and anxiety around eating, reduces inflammation, and ultimately helps them to get their lives back. We can work together to help you live your best life, starting right now.
Plant Based Diets Nutritionists and Dietitians
What is a plant-based diet?
A plant-based diet emphasizes the consumption of foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while reducing or eliminating animal products like meat and dairy. Unlike a vegan diet, which excludes all animal products, a plant-based diet does not necessarily require complete elimination of animal-based foods, although some individuals choose to do so. Many people following a plant-based diet also aim to incorporate more "whole foods" into their meals, favoring less-processed options over highly processed foods. For example, they might choose brown rice over white bread or fresh fruits over baked goods. The focus is on eating nutrient-dense, natural foods to promote overall health and well-being.
What are the benefits of a plant-based diet?
Research has shown that a plant-based diet offers numerous health benefits, including weight loss, lowered cholesterol levels, reduced blood pressure, and better blood sugar control. These benefits can arise from eating fewer animal-based foods, which are high in saturated fats, or from the weight loss that many people experience when starting a plant-based diet. Additionally, plant-based diets are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, which support a healthy immune system and may be particularly helpful for those with inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis. Plant-based diets are also high in fiber, which improves digestive health and can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Who should follow a plant-based diet?
Anyone can follow a plant-based diet, and many nutrition and medical professionals encourage its adoption due to the numerous health benefits associated with consuming more plants and reducing animal-based products. People may also choose a plant-based diet for environmental and ethical reasons. For health-related benefits, a plant-based diet can be particularly advantageous for individuals diagnosed with or at risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and certain inflammatory conditions. Since many chronic diseases are related to obesity, the weight management benefits of a plant-based diet are especially valuable. Additionally, a plant-based diet can help reduce cholesterol levels, improve blood pressure, and enhance insulin sensitivity.
How do I start a plant-based diet?
A plant-based diet can be started at any time and may even be a more accessible option for individuals not ready to completely eliminate animal-based products from their diet. Many people start a plant-based diet slowly, such as with substituting meat or dairy for alternative products just a few times a week; for instance, finding easy swaps—such as whole grains in place of white bread products and beans or tofu in lieu of meat products—can be a great way to start eating a more plant-based diet. In addition, working to plan more meals ahead of time and constructing plant-based grocery store lists may be beneficial to ensure that consuming a plant-based meal is an accessible option when first getting started.