Pam Onstead, R.N.

Getting Started
 

There are a number of approaches to changing from the standard American diet (SAD) to a whole food plant based way of eating. Some people go "cold turkey," others ease into it. Whatever way you choose, the more plants you can incorporate into your daily eating, the closer you come to changing your lifestyle to include a whole food plant based diet. For those who ease into it, it is usually because they are still exploring the science and feasibility of making this kind of change. And that's ok. For those who are "all in," they are likely already convinced that this lifestyle change is not just an unsustainable, temporary diet They decide they want to get the maximum health benefits that eating this way provides.

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Getting started on a whole food plant based diet is easier once you learn about the evidence-based science that supports this way of eating.  I encourage you to spend some time going to the links to the right and others on this website, to strengthen your commitment to improving your health and to develop a plan for making this lifestyle change.

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First, I advise people to view the documentary Forks Over Knives because it covers some of the science supporting WFPB eating and gives real life examples of people who decided to use food as medicine under their doctors' supervision. The PlantPure Nation documentary further enhances this education with important tools, including food, guidance and support.

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These websites have excellent support materials for starting your journey, including recipes, meal planning guides, Q & A sections, apps, and more. Forks Over Knives even has online cooking classes.

 

Another great way to get started is with the Physicians Committee's 21-Day Vegan Kickstart which has meal plans, recipes, advice from nutritional experts and more.  

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One more tip, try to find a physician that supports you on this journey.  Unfortunately, most physicians do not have nutrition education in their medical training and unless they are keeping up with the latest research in the field, may not be as attuned to the benefits of removing animal products from our diets.  the pcrm.org website can be helpful for clinicians as a starting point to expand their nutritional knowledge. 

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If you would like a private consultation for further direction on getting started on a WFPB lifestyle, click here.

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One more tip, try to find physician that supports you on this journey.  Unfortunately, most physicians do not have much, if any nutrition education in their medical training and unless they are keeping up with the latest research in the field, may not be as attuned to the benefits of removing animal products from our diets. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine's website pcrm.org, can be helpful for clinicians as a starting point to expand their nutritional knowledge of plant based eating and food as medicine.

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Disclaimer:  The information on this website "is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.  If you are on medication and are changing to a whole food, plant-based diet, you should discuss with your healthcare provider the changes that you are making in your diet and how these changes may require an adjustment in medication dosage.  It is important that you work with your doctor to monitor your condition and medication dosage during your change of dietary practices."