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Explore every episode of the podcast Plant-Based Canada Podcast

Dive into the complete episode list for Plant-Based Canada Podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Episode 87: What does the science say about plant-based diets for dogs and cats and animal welfare, with Prof. Andrew Knight10 Sep 202400:46:05

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Prof. Andrew Knight to talk about the science behind plant-based diets for our animal companions. 

Andrew Knight is a veterinary Professor of Animal Welfare affiliated with the Murdoch University School of Veterinary Medicine and Griffith University, both in Australia, and with the University of Winchester in the UK. An experienced small animal veterinarian, he’s also a UK, European, American and New Zealand Veterinary Specialist in animal welfare. In 2024 he received a PhD focused on vegan food for animal companions (including investigation on aspects health, behavioural and environmental implications). He has around 150 academic and 80 popular publications, and an extensive series of social media videos and several websites on vegan companion animal diets, climate change and the livestock sector, invasive animal research, educational animal use, humane clinical and surgical skills training, and other animal welfare issues. His studies on vegan food for out animal companions are regularly reported in news outlets globally. He often works with animal advocacy charities and is frequently interviewed by the media. To add to this, he has received over 20 awards and research grants for this work. 

Resources:
Prof. Knight’s recent publication
Vegan vs Meat-Based veterinary nutrition
Should dogs and cats be fed vegan diets?
More of Prof. Knight’s Articles
Infographic on environmentally sustainable diets for animal companions
Sustainable foods for animal companions

Prof. Andrew Knights’ Socials:
YouTube
Facebook
Website

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
X / Twitter @PBC_org

Bonus Content
Check out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate. Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home. As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you’ll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people. Use our exclusive discount code PBC2024 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses. uoguel.ph/pbn.

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published.
This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD. 

Support the show

Episode 86: The Healthy Voyager with Carolyn Scott-Hamilton 27 Aug 202400:39:30

Carolyn Scott-Hamilton is a plant-based chef, cook-book author, and television personality who specializes in how to stay healthy while travelling abroad. Carolyn has travelled the world for her show – the Healthy Voyager -- and offered her services as a health and nutrition expert, recipe developer, writer, speaker, consultant, and media spokesperson.

The Healthy Voyager show was born with the goal of helping people with dietary restrictions navigate international travel while also having fun and enjoying themselves. As of 2006, Carolyn has travelled and dined healthfully, all while documenting through her Healthy Voyager Web Series. The Healthy Voyager is also a one-stop-shop for all things green living –from travel and recipes, to fashion and relationships.

Her cookbook, The Healthy Voyager’s Global Kitchen, launched in 2012, with a cooking show of the same name launching in 2014. Her shows have won multiple awards and accolades over the years.

Carolyn is currently working on a food line, clothing line, travel kit line, and more. In fact, she launched her follow-up cookbook as a 10-year anniversary edition in December 2021, called The Healthy Voyager’s Global Kitchen: 175 Plant-Based Recipes from Across the Globe.

Meantime, Carolyn expertise has been a “go-to” source across the media landscape. She’s been featured on the Discovery Channel, CNN, USA Today, and Martha Stewart Radio. She is currently the travel correspondent for Hallmark Home & Family, while her shows are syndicated on MSN Travel, The Food Channel, AOL and more.

Resources

The Healthy Voyager
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
TikTok
YouTube

Bonus Promotion

Check out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate. Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home. As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you’ll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people. Use our exclusive discount code PBC2024 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses. uoguel.ph/pbn.

Support the show

Episode 77: How Dr. Michael Klaper Moves Medicine Forward07 May 202401:04:14

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Dr. Michael Klaper to chat about his experiences in plant-based practices and Moving Medicine Forward.

Dr. Michael Klaper is an internationally-recognized clinician and teacher, and sought-after speaker on diet and health. He graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine, United States and served a medical internship at Vancouver General Hospital in British Columbia, Canada. Dr. Klaper received post-graduate training in surgery, anesthesiology and orthopedics at the University of British Columbia Hospitals in Vancouver, and obstetrics at the University of California Hospital, San Francisco.

After a fifty-year career as a primary care physician, Dr. Klaper’s full-time focus is the non-profit, Moving Medicine Forward, which provides education for medical students and physicians on the use of diet and lifestyle practices to prevent and, often, reverse chronic disease. In powerful, often “career-changing” lectures and discussion groups, Dr. Klaper presents effective, diet-based strategies to help resolve hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes and many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

A member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Klaper currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Plantrician Project and for the "International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention." 

Dr. Klaper teaches that “health comes from healthy living” and he is dedicated to the healing and flourishing of all living beings on our planet.


In this episode we discuss:

  • Dr. Klaper’s plant-based journey
  • Concept of plant-based nutrition
  • Key nutrition related considerations
  • Health impacts
  • Practical advice
  • Aroga 

Episode Resources
ACLM
Nutrition Facts
Dr. Neal Barnard 
Plantrician Project
Moving Medicine Forward
Goodbye Autoimmune Disease by Dr. Goldner 
University of Wisconsin course
Aroga 

Dr. Klaper’s Socials
Website


Plant-Based Canada’s Socials
Instagram 
Facebook
X / Twitter @PBC_org
Conference (May 25th, 2024)


Bonus
Check out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate. Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home. As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you’ll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people. Use our exclusive discount code PBC2024 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses. uoguel.ph/pbn.

Support the show

Episode 76: Dr. Christine Gibson and the Modern Trauma Toolkit 23 Apr 202400:55:08

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast, we chat with Dr. Christine Gibson. She is a Family Medicine physician with academic expertise in medical education and holistic care, with twenty years of clinical experience. Through extensive additional specialty training, she has become a local and national leader in education and practice related to health inequity and trauma healing.

Dr. Gibson is a Mental Health Influencer on Tiktok as under the name “tiktok trauma doc”, and has published a book with Hachette Go/John Murray called The Modern Trauma Toolkit. It is an accessible, solutions-focused look at the stress of modern times.

As founder, Executive Director, and consultant through Global Familymed Foundation, she works with Universities in resource-poor environments in strengthening and building capacity for primary care postgraduate training. She also founded The Healing Centred Cooperative in 2020, which successfully ran a music and breath program for immigrants through the City of Calgary’s Change Can’t Wait Mental Health and Addiction grant, as well as Safer Spaces Training, which trains professionals to create psychological safety in professional work settings. 

Dr. Gibson will also be speaking at a TED event in Oshawa soon. You can find tickets here: https://www.tedxoshawa.com/ 

Dr. Gibson's Resources

Website
YouTube
Facebook
Twitter
TikTok
Instagram
Dr. Gibson's book: "The Modern Trauma Toolkit"
The Modern Trauma Toolkit Resources
Global FamilyMed
Safer Spaces Training

Bonus

Check out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate. Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home. As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you’ll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people. Use our exclusive discount code PBC2024 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses. uoguel.ph/pbn.

Support the show

Episode 75: The Mediterranean Diet with Jordi Salas-Salvadó, MD, PhD09 Apr 202400:51:50

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Prof Jordi Salas-Salvadó to chat about the Mediterranean diet.

Prof Jordi Salas-Salvadó is a medical doctor and a Distinguished Professor of Nutrition and research at Rovira i Virgili University, in Spain. He is the Director of the Food, Nutrition and Mental Health Research Group recognized by the Government of Catalonia; Principal Investigator of the CIBER Network Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBERobn) of the Carlos III Health Institute; Director of the Catalan Nutrition Centre of the Institute of Catalan Studies; Chairman of the Professorship Tree Nut World Forum for Nutrition Research and Dissemination; member of the Group of Experts of the Public Health Agency of Catalonia. Prof Salas-Salvadó is an expert in clinical trials evaluating the effect of diets and dietary compounds on cardiometabolic health. He was a lead researcher of the PREDIMED study, a landmark trial evaluating the effect of the Mediterranean Diet on the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. He is currently the Director and Chair of the Steering Committee of the PREDIMED-Plus trial. He has published >900 scientific articles (h-index 101; >30,000 citations; Clarivate Analytics “Highly Cited Researcher”) and has received multiple awards and recognitions. In addition to all the above, he has been a mentor to many researchers & health professionals, including the host of the podcast episode, and we are grateful to have him join the podcast and share his expertise as an honorary Canadian.

In this episode:
-History behind the Mediterranean diet
-PREDIMED Trial: development, findings, impact
-PREDIMED-Plus Trial: development, findings, impact
-The future of PREDIMED-Plus & nutrition research

Episode Resources:
PREDIMED-Mediterranean Diet & Heart Disease
PREDIMED-Plus: Design & methods
PREDIMED-Plus: 1-Yr results
11 clinical trials that will shape medicine in 2023 

Prof. Jordi Salas-Salvadó’s Socials:
Website
X/ Twitter: @JordiSalasSalva  & @nutrihumana_URV
Web of Science
ORCID

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram @plantbasedcanadaorg
Facebook
Website
X / Twitter @PBC_org
Conference-May 25, 2024 

Bonus: Check out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate.

Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home.

As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you’ll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people.

Use our exclusive discount code PBC2024 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses! uoguel.ph/pbn.

Thank you for tuning in!

Support the show

Episode 74: Dr. Margaret Robinson on Navigating Indigenous Traditions and Veganism 27 Feb 202401:14:44

Dr. Margaret Robinson (she/her) is a Mi’kmaw scholar and a member of Lennox Island First Nation. She works as an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University in Mi’kma’ki, where she holds the Tier II Canada Research Chair in Reconciliation, Gender, and Identity. Dr. Robinson is two-spirit, bisexual, and queer, and her research examines how culture and identity support wellbeing.

In our conversation, we discuss on Dr. Robinson’s research into feminism and bisexuality, the work she did in developing a measure for microaggresions and microaffirmations experienced by bisexual women, racism experienced by Indigenous communities in the Canadian Health-Care system, navigating veganism as an Indigenous person, and ways to decolonize our food systems.

Resources


Promo

Do you want to take your plant-based knowledge to the next level?

The online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate through Open Learning and Educational Support at the University of Guelph has everything you need to know about implementing a sustainable plant-based diet. Each course is just four weeks long and will guide you through essential topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home.

As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you’ll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people.

Use our exclusive discount code PBC2024 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses! uoguel.ph/pbn.


Support the show

Episode 73: Dr. Amardeep Mangat on Replacing Sick Care with Health Care 16 Jan 202401:16:04

Dr. Amardeep Singh Mangat was born in Tanzania and moved to California when he was 2-years-old. His parents are originally from Punjab India, but he grew up in San Francisco. He completed his Internal Medicine Residency with honours of ‘Resident of the Year’ and was selected Chief Resident at the UCSF-affiliated Alameda County Medical Center.

He moved to Toronto in 2012 and has been working in the division of General Internal Medicine at North York General Hospital, which is the leading community academic hospital in all of Canada. Dr. Mangat serves as the GIM lead for the rapid referral Internal Medicine clinic and is also a lecturer at University of Toronto.

In addition to all of that, Dr. Mangat is now the medical director of the  Aroga Lifestyle medicine clinic in the GTA. Aroga is a trail-blazing clinic with an multi-disciplinary team that believes that most, if not all, cardiac and metabolic illnesses can be prevented and treated with intensive lifestyle modifications. Their team uses evidenced-based therapies to empower patients to experience true healing and wellness.

Resources

Aroga.com

Aroga's Instagram

Dr. Mangat's Instagram

Perspective: Plant-Based Eating Pattern for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Treatment: Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Practical Considerations

Support the show

Episode 72: Navigating the intersection of health, nutrition, and climate with Dr. Teela Johnson02 Jan 202400:45:09

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by a Toronto-based hospitalist and emergency physician, Dr. Teela Johnson.  

Dr. Teela Johnson MSc, MD, CCFP-EM is a hospitalist and emergency room physician with a keen interest in the intersection of health, nutrition, and the climate-- and how they relate to equity issues.  Through her work as a member of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment Agri-Food Working Group and as a Board Director of the climate policy think tank Canadians for Responsible Food Policy, she brings to bear the extensive scientific evidence on how a transition to a plant-based food system can prevent and treat chronic disease, and simultaneously curtail the most detrimental greenhouse gas emissions that are propelling the climate crisis, while also giving voice and restoration to groups systematically oppressed across these intersecting realms. 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Dr. Johnson’s medical practice
  • Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment Agri-Food Working Group
  • Climate change impacts, targets,  and recommendations
  • Paris Agreement on Climate Change
  • Canadians for Responsible Food Policy
  • Impact of transitioning to a plant-based food system
  • Future research and actions
  • Advice to health professionals / the public


Episode Resources:

Canadians for Responsible Food Policy: https://responsiblefoodpolicy.ca/ 

Lancet Countdown: https://cape.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Lancet-Countdown-Policy-Brief-Canada_ENG.pdf

Consultation on the future of competition policy in Canada: https://cape.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/CompetitionActConsultation_CQDE_CAPE_EQT_ISED.pdf

Recommendations from the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment for Amendments to Bill C-12, the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act: https://cape.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CAPE-C-12-briefing-note-EN-final.pdf 

Paris Agreement on Climate Change: https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement 


Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram: @plantbasedcanadaorg
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/
Website: https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/
X/Twitter: @PBC_org

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.



Support the show

Episode 71: See the Future of Sustainable Medical Imaging with Dr. Kate Hanneman19 Dec 202300:37:27

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Dr. Kate Hanneman to chat about climate change and environmental sustainability in health care practices, particularly medical imaging/radiology, as well as improving health outcomes for patients using cardiac imaging.

Kate Hanneman MD MPH, is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto and a Clinician Scientist at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute. She is the author of over 100 peer-reviewed papers and leads an active research program focused on sustainability and improving health outcomes for patients using cardiac imaging. She is Co-Chair of the Canadian Association of Radiologists Sustainability Working Group and Deputy Lead for Sustainability and University Medical Imaging Toronto at the University of Toronto. She has followed a plant-based diet for over a decade. 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Climate change and environmental sustainability in medical imaging/radiology
  • Current and future research 
  • Tips for sustainable medical and personal practices
  • Take home message

Episode Resources:
Environmental Sustainability and MRI: Challenges, Opportunities, and a Call for Action
Letter to the Editor: Radiology Action for Climate Change
Climate Change and Sustainability. Radiology
Climate Change and Radiology: Impetus for Change and a Toolkit for Action
University of Toronto, Medical Imaging
Canadian Association of Radiologists Sustainability Working Group 

Dr. Kate Hanneman's Socials:
 Instagram: @katehanneman
X/ Twitter: @katehanneman, @imagingtoronto & @UofTMedIm

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)
Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)
Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)
X / Twitter @PBC_org

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

Support the show

Episode 70: Previving Breast Cancer with Dr. Simran Malhotra 05 Dec 202300:57:25

Dr. Simran Malhotra is a triple board-certified physician in internal medicine, hospice and palliative care, and lifestyle medicine. She practices part time as an inpatient palliative care physician at Medstar Health. She completed her internal medicine residency at Medstar Franklin Square Medical Center where she also served as chief resident in 2015. She completed her fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 2016.

Dr. Malhotra is a mother of two and a BRCA 1 previvor with a strong family history of breast and female reproductive cancers. She underwent a risk reducing bilateral mastectomy and total hysterectomy in 2020.

After her own experience as a patient and her professional experiences in palliative care, she founded Wellness By LifestyleMD, a platform where she works with and educates women on the powerful impact that positive lifestyle changes can have on their quality of life and longevity.

Resources

Dr. Malhotra’s Website 
Facebook
Instagram
Dr. Malhotra’s book: “How Healers Heal: Lifestyle Medicine Physicians Transforming Healthcare and Their Own Health”

Support the show

Episode 69: Nurturing Neurodivergence (Autism & ADHD) in Kids with Natalie Pelto21 Nov 202300:51:27

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Natalie Pelto to chat about parenting kids with autism and ADHD.  

Natalie has many years of experience in the healthcare field, with lifestyle-based practices being a more recent endeavour. She was previously a Medical Radiation Technologist in diagnostic imaging specialising in CT, Trauma and bone mineral density for over 20 years, but following a personnel experience, which she shares with us later in the episode, has changed her career perspective and purpose. As part of this transition, she has become a self-declared life-long learner, completing multiple certifications in lifestyle medicine and nutrition including advanced child brain development with nutrition, and more. Natalie´s main area of interest focuses on working with children with severe autism and Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and their families. From her personal experiences and learnings, she works to support all members of families with children with autism and ADHD. Her mission and vision are to see our future generations change and shape the world from a space of health and well-being.

In this episode we discuss:

  • What are autism and ADHD?
  • Diet/nutrition in autism and ADHD
  • Plant-Based diet and autism and ADHD related concerns, myths, and misconceptions.
  • Strategies to support children with autism or ADHD in achieving independence
  • Supports for parents with children with autism or ADHD

Episode Resources:
Autism Canada
Autism Statistics Canada
ADHD Statistics Canada

Scientific Articles:
Truths, Myths and Needs of Special Diets: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27356007/
Clinician guidelines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders with nutraceuticals and phytoceuticals: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35311615/
Micronutrients in ADHD: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35311615/ 

App:
ThinkDirty app (has a cost): https://www.thinkdirtyapp.com/
Free alternative -> Environmental Working Group (EWG): https://www.ewg.org/  

Books:
Fiber Fueled” By: W. Bulsiewicz
Power of Habits” By:  C. Duhigg

Natalie Pelto´s Socials
Website: www.blueliferx.com
Webinar: www.blueliferx.com/autismwebinar
Instagram: @rebellespectrum (for free resources)

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram: @plantbasedcanadaorg
Facebook: Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/
Website: https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/
X (formerly Twitter):  @PBC_org

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

Support the show

Episode 68: Rising to the Occasion: Baking Bread with Ed and Natasha Tatton07 Nov 202301:08:40

Ed and Natasha Tatton are the co-founders of BReD, a B Corp certified vegan sourdough bakery located in the premier ski and mountain bike resort of Whistler, BC, Canada. The bakery specializes in sourdough and vegan baked goods. Plus, Ed and Natasha’s new book, “BReD: Sourdough Loaves, Small Breads, and Other Plant-Based Baking” is available for purchase TODAY. The BReD cookbook is an homage to the Tattons' bakery and mission to inform and provide their community with cruelty-free food.

In our conversation we discuss how the couple, originally from the UK, ended up in Canada; Ed’s classic training as a chef; Ed and Natasha’s journey toward veganism; the inspiration and process to opening their own bakery; and their new book, which contains 100 recipes, and is available through their website.

Resources
Ed’s Bred Website
Facebook
Instagram
“BReD: Sourdough Loaves, Small Breads, and Other Plant-Based Baking”
Penguin Random House Canada 

Support the show

Episode 85: Scrumptious Recipes, Seasonal Eating, and Social Media with Laura Wright13 Aug 202400:57:33

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Laura Wright to chat about scrumptious recipes, seasonal eating, and social media. 

Laura Wright is a plant-based chef, gardener, and blogger from the Niagara region of Southern Ontario. Her website, The First Mess, was awarded Best Special Diets Blog by SAVEUR Magazine. She is the author and photographer of "The First Mess Cookbook: Vibrant Plant-Based Recipes for Living Well Through The Seasons," which is available internationally through Penguin and Avery publishers. Laura focuses on seasonal flavour combinations and produce-heavy recipes that appeal to all types of eaters. 

Links:
Website: https://thefirstmess.com/
Newsletter signup: https://thefirstmess.com/newsletter/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefirstmess/
Cookbook: https://thefirstmess.com/cookbook/the-first-mess-cookbook/

Laura Wright’s Socials:
Instagram: @thefirstmess
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ca/thefirstmess/

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)
Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)
Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)
X / Twitter @PBC_org


Bonus Content from University of Guelph

Do you want to take your plant-based knowledge to the next level? Stay tuned for a special promo code!

The online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate through Open Learning and Educational Support at the University of Guelph has everything you need to know about implementing a sustainable plant-based diet.

Each course is just four weeks long and will guide you through essential topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home.

As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you’ll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people.

Use our exclusive discount code PBC2024 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses! uoguel.ph/pbn.

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

Support the show

Episode 67: Plant-Forward Weight Loss with Lucy Luong, RD28 Oct 202300:59:15

In this episode of the Plant-Based Podcast, we chat with Lucy Luong -- a Californian turned Canadian registered dietitian and weight loss coach. She is passionate about people and wants to help everyone she can break free from ill-health, excess weight, and food addiction.

Lucy identifies as a volume eater – and has a big appetite. So she loves that eating a plant-based diet allows her and her clients to eat large portions of nutritious foods. She has a virtual private practice in Alberta, and an international, virtual 12-Week Lifestyle Improvement Program that’s open to anyone who needs help learning how to eat plant-based for weight loss and disease management.

In this episode, Lucy and I discuss the science behind weight loss… the differences between Canada and the U-S when it comes to their food guides and public health policies… how approach with clients and how she incorporates plant-based eating into her practice… and her approach to online misinformation around weight loss and other dangers that often accompany dieting culture.

Podcast Resources

Lucy’s website
Facebook
Instagram

Support the show

Episode 66: Animal-free medicine with Dr. Sachin Shah 10 Oct 202300:52:15

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast, we talk to Dr. Sachin Shah -- CEO of VeganMed and a Professor of Pharmacy at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

Dr. Shah founded VeganMed in 2018. He was inspired by the challenges faced by patients when finding animal-free medications. The company is dedicated to assisting consumers and healthcare providers in identifying medications, supplements, and other health products that are free from animal-derived ingredients.

At Pacific, he is Director of the Fellowship in Industry Program (FIP), and the Innovative Clinical and Outcomes Research (iCOR) group. With over 50 peer-reviewed publications, his research has garnered over one billion media impressions – including with CNN, NPR, and BBC News — and featured in multiple video documentaries globally.

Podcast Resources 

VeganMed 

VeganMed IG

Dr. Shah’s LinkedIN

Dr. Shah’s Twitter/X profile 

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Episode 65: Climate-Conscious Cooking with Ikeila Wright 26 Sep 202300:46:13

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast, we talk to chef Ikeila Wright, former owner of the long-standing vegan Caribbean restaurant One Love Vegetarian in Toronto. 

When Ikeila decided to leave the world of meat behind and enter the plant kingdom, her Life changed. Everything she learned about cooking and the restaurant industry went totally out the window. In the process, Ikeila not only had to learn to emphasize taste… but also manipulate texture, timing, and temperature to create food that was pleasing to the palette without the aid of meat, dairy, eggs, or refined products.
 
 In between raising children and catering, Ikeila and her family became known as food vendors at many major Toronto outdoor festivals. They spent many summers vending at The Harbourfront Centre where their One Love Corn Soup and Seasoned Corn received rave reviews. This included two appearances on The Food Network courtesy of ‘The Christine Cushing Live Show’.
 
 In 2009, with the support of her children, the One Love Vegetarian Restaurant was born.
 
 One Love Vegetarian remained at the forefront of the Toronto Vegetarian scene for over a decade before shutting down in 2022 following the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
 Ikeila is now cooking up extraordinary meals as a private chef and caterer.

Podcast Resources

Ikeila's Website

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Episode 64: How bearing witness led to a worldwide animal justice movement with Dr. Anita Krajnc12 Sep 202300:52:13

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Dr. Anita Krajnc to chat about the animal protection movement.

Dr. Anita Krajnc is the Executive Director of the Animal Save Movement, a worldwide network of Save groups bearing witness to farmed animals and promoting veganism and love-based, grassroots activism. Anita also helps coordinate the global Plant Based Treaty campaign. She received her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto and is a follower of Leo Tolstoy, Mahatma Gandhi and Cesar Chavez. Anita has also been an assistant professor at Queen's University in Ontario, Canada and has published extensively on social movements and environmental politics and is co-author of the book, "The Secret Life of Pigs: Stories of Compassion and the Animal Save Movement".

In this episode we discuss:

  • What happened on the the infamous date of June 22 2015 
  • What is bearing witness
  • About the initial court case and media campaign
  • The Save Movements
  • The Plant Based Treaty

Episode Resources:
United Nations Climate Change: https://unfccc.int/cop28
The Paris Agreement: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/paris-agreement
A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12419.A_Calendar_of_Wisdom
The Secret Life of Pigs: Stories of Compassion and the Animal Save Movement by Richard Hoyle & Anita Krajnc: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60485052-the-secret-life-of-pigs 

Animal Save Movement:
Website: https://thesavemovement.org/
TikTok: @animalsavemovement 
Twitter: @animalsavemvmt
Instagram: @thesavemovement
Linkedin: Animal Save Movement

Plant Based Treaty:
Website: https://plantbasedtreaty.org/canada-city/
TikTok: @plantbasedtreaty
Twitter: @Plant_Treaty
Instagram: @plantbasedtreaty
To sign the Plant-Based Treaty: https://plantbasedtreaty.org/individual-endorse/

Dr. Anita Krajnc´s Socials:
Instagram: @anita.krajnc
Twitter: @animalrightsyay
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-krajnc-105170116/?originalSubdomain=ca

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram: @plantbasedcanadaorg
Facebook: Plant-Based Canada
Website: https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

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Episode 63: Plant-Based Entrepreneurship with Ben Hagerty from It’s Bree & Ben29 Aug 202300:58:36

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Ben Hagerty from “It’s Bree and Ben” to chat about plant-based entrepreneurs and businesses, with a focus on initiatives in the west coast of Canada.  

Benjamin Hagerty is a vegan essayist and travel writer for the website, It's Bree and Ben, which he co-founded with his wife, Brianne Nemiroff. 

Ben’s vegan journey began in 2015, and from 2017 through 2019, he and Brianne embarked on a trans-continental road trip in which they visited and wrote about vegan businesses in more than 60 destinations throughout Canada and the U.S. 

In 2020, he and Brianne relocated to Vancouver, BC, where he began his thesis project, which explores how vegan entrepreneurs in Kitsilano and Mt. Pleasant operationalize and experience the vegan philosophy. The findings of his project may be found in his academic blog series called, Ben's Vegan Vancouver. This year he earned his Masters degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies from the University of Northern British Columbia. 

Ben currently works with organisations like the Canadians for Responsible Food Policy, Earthsave Canada, and the Plant-Based Cities Movement to bolster vegan businesses to municipal governments. For leisure, he still enjoys adventurous road trips with Brianne and learning new coffee-making techniques. 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Plant-based practices and businesses from travels across North America
  • Specific examples of plant-based businesses from Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant in Vancouver, B.C.
  • What motivates and inspires vegan entrepreneurship and how vegan businesses operate?
  • What is vegan entrepreneurship and what makes it vegan?
  • What makes a successful plant-based business?
  • Challenges facing vegan entrepreneurship 
  • Perspective transformation


Episode Resources:
Canadians for Responsible Food Policy
Earthsave Canada
Plant-Based Cities Movement
University of Northern British Columbia, Natural Resources and Environmental Studies Program

Ben Hagerty’s Socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsbreeandben/?ref=embed_page
Instagram:
@itsbreeandben
Website: https://itsbreeandben.com/

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)
Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)
Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

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Episode 62: Dr. Mylène Juneau on bringing the Blue Zone Lifestyle to Northern Ontario15 Aug 202300:52:01

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Dr. Mylène Juneau.  

Dr Mylène Juneau was born and raised in Montréal, Quebec and completed her honours degree in biology at Concordia University followed by medical school and a family medicine residency program at Université de Montréal. She then moved to Northern Ontario on the shores of Georgian Bay where she started working primarily in the emergency department and as a hospitalist. 

Her interest for holistic health and longevity led to her certification as a lifestyle medicine practitioner from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. With the help of a strong, knowledgeable, motivated and enthusiastic team, she is co-creating a soon-to-be-launched lifestyle medicine program for the community.

Dr. Juneau faced first hand some of the challenges of implementing the core pillars of lifestyle medicine in her own life and in her practice of medicine, which included a transition towards a whole-foods, plant-based diet. The benefits and the lessons learned were well worth it, however.

When she is not sharing her enthusiasm for a whole-person care model, she enjoys spending time outdoors with friends and family.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Lifestyle Medicine
  • Blue Lifers
  • Comprehensive Lifestyle Medicine Intervention Program (CLIP)

Episode Resources:
American College of Lifestyle Medicine: https://lifestylemedicine.org/
Lifestyle Medicine & Health Review: https://www.elsevier.es/en-revista-revista-psiquiatria-salud-mental-486-articulo-lifestyle-medicine-the-importance-considering-S2173505012000180
Blue Zones: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30202288/ 

Dr. Mylène Juneau’s Socials:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mylene.juneau
Instagram: @mylenejuneau
Website: Blueliferx.com

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)
Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)
Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

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Episode 61: A Prescription for Good Health with Dr. Bhiku Jethalal01 Aug 202300:44:43

Dr. Bhiku Jethalal is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He graduated from the University of Natal Medical School in South Africa in 1968. He completed his Internal Medicine and Allergy training in 1978 in Canada. He was appointed Chief of Staff at the Bowmanville Memorial Hospital in 1984 and subsequently on staff as Consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Scarborough Grace Hospital in 1985. He has almost 45 years of experience in internal medicine and allergies.

You can also check out Dr. Jethalal’s son – Nital – in Episode 45 of the Plant-Based Canada podcast, in which we discuss Plant-based Eating patterns in the GTA.

In this episode we discuss:

  •  Dr. Jethalal’s medical background and what inspired his interest in Lifestyle Medicine
  •  Why Dr. Jethalal left South Africa for Canada.
  •  His association with the Toronto Star and his sour relationship with Ontario dairy farmers
  • How Dr. Jethalal incorporates Lifestyle Medicine into his practice
  • The biggest obstacles he's encountered in medical community


Podcast Resources 

Dr. Bhiku Jethalal's Website


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Episode 60: How to Raise Healthy Plant-Based Kids with Pediatrician Dr. Rikin Patel18 Jul 202300:51:23

How safe and healthful is a plant-based diet for children?

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we are joined by Dr. Rikin Patel to chat about raising kids following a plant-strong dietary pattern.

Dr. Rikin Patel is a consultant pediatrician and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Toronto. He completed his pediatric residency at Memorial University of Newfoundland, and prior to medical school he completed a Masters in Health Policy Planning and Finance from the London School of Economics and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Currently, Dr. Patel works for the Scarborough Health Network and is a founding member of Markham Kids Clinic. He recently completed the Plant Based Certificate program through the T Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies at Cornell University.  He is passionate about promoting a culture of wellness and resilience within physician and trainee communities through medical improv, meditation and plant-based nutrition. Dr. Patel has worked with numerous families and is passionate and confident in giving children and their families the best fuel for their wellbeing to maximize their potential. He is a certified yoga instructor and teaches Shaolin Kung Fu at the Waterloo Kung Fu Academy with over 30 years of experience

Also, stay tuned for more initiatives from Dr. Patel, as he is currently in the process of opening a new virtual clinic in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) called Reset Pediatric Lifestyle Medicine that aims at treating and reversing chronic diseases among children using lifestyle-based interventions.


In this episode we discuss:

  • Being a plant-strong Pediatrician at a Kids Clinic
  • The safety & nutrition of plant-strong dietary patterns for children
  • Micronutrients of interest
  • Macronutrients of interest
  • Milk alternatives
  • Recommendations for different ages or stages of growth 
  • Myths & misconceptions


Episode Resources:

Ellyn Satter: https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/

E. Satter Resources: https://www.ellynsatterinstitute.org/product-category/books-videos/

Plant-based milk alternatives in child nutrition: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37048365/ 

Safety of vegetarian diets for children: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37242126/ 

Dr. Rikin Patel´s Socials

Website: https://www.resetpediatrics.com/ 
Instagram: @dr.rikinpatel.

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:

Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)

Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)

Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

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Episode 59: Cooking Up Inspiration with Roni Zaide04 Jul 202300:44:01

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we are joined by vegan chef Roni Zaide. Roni became vegetarian on her 11th birthday. Years later she made the transition to a full vegan, plant-based lifestyle. Roni has been cooking in kitchens around the world since 2004. She worked at The Coup in Calgary for seven years, before opening her business -- Roni's Kitchen -- in 2014. Roni loves to share her passion for delicious, healthy eats through a variety of plant-based cooking classes, and her catering services. 

In December 2019, Roni published her first cookbook -- Roni’s Kitchen Cookbook -- which contains 100 plant-based recipes and the stories behind them. The book features recipes from the different projects of Roni’s Kitchen in the past few years:  a brunch pop-up,  weekly meal service, and the cooking classes, as well as some family recipes and recipes Roni discovered.

In This Episode We Discuss

  • Roni's long history in the kitchen and her catalyst for going plant-based.
  • Her journey to open her own businesses.
  • Her cookbook and some of the stories that inspired her recipes. 
  • Roni's approach to putting together a meal and how every dish is its own piece of art.
  • The plant-based community in Calgary and how it's evolved over time.
  • Tip for those interested in picking up plant-based cooking. 

Podcast Resources 

Roni’s LinkTree

Roni’s Kitchen 

Instagram

Facebook

Cooking classes

Cookbook author

Food blog

Roniskitchen.com

Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

 

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Episode 58: How to travel plant-based with Brighde Reed from World Vegan Travel20 Jun 202300:59:17

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Brighde Reed from World Vegan Travel.  

World Vegan Travel was founded by life-and-travel partners Sebastien and Brighde, two nomads who spent nearly 2 decades living and working overseas in a myriad of countries: France, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Indonesia and Thailand. With backgrounds in tour leading and film and TV production, they spend at least three months each year travelling the world to find new and exciting destinations for vegans to experience.

Brighde spent her formative years in the UK and Australia before her desire to travel took over. The next five years were spent leading group tours for an Australian company around Southeast Asia, France and Morocco. She met fellow tour guide Seb in Marrakech, they fell in love and a couple of years later they discovered veganism together.  She became passionate about promoting the vegan message as an activist while living in Thailand. These days Brighde currently make their home amongst the mountains, bears, and eagles of beautiful Squamish, BC, Canada. Living in Squamish she enjoys hiking in the mountains and spending time with her kittens between the trips she runs with Seb.

In this episode we discuss:

  • World Vegan Travel Trips & Experiences
  • Travel Tips & Resources


Episode Resources:

Happy Cow: https://www.happycow.net/
VegOresto (France website): https://vegoresto.fr/
Veggie Hotels:  https://www.veggie-hotels.com/1-1-Home.html
Vegan Welcome: https://www.vegan-welcome.com/en/home.html
Google Translate:  https://translate.google.com/
Veg Visits: https://www.vegvisits.com/
The Vegan Stay: https://www.theveganstay.com/


World Vegan Travel´s Socials:

Websitel: www.worldvegantravel.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbD9lX2V7-cQogVfBlSMe8A
Instagram:
@worldvegantravel
Twitter: @WorldVeganTrav1


Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:

Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)
Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)
Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)


Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 


This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

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Episode 83: The Cost of Climate Change with Dr. Neha Pathak30 Jul 202400:58:01

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast, we talk to Dr. Neha Pathak. Dr. Pathak is board certified in both internal medicine and lifestyle medicine and works as Chief Physician Editor for Health and Lifestyle Medicine and host of WebMD’s Health Discovered podcast. She reports on topics related to lifestyle, climate change, and environmental impacts on health for WebMD and Medscape, and is a regular contributor to Yale Climate Connections.

She graduated with a BA in psychology and biology from Harvard University, and received her MD with honours in community service from Cornell University's Weill Medical College. She completed her primary care, internal medicine residency at New York Hospital, Weill Cornell Medical College. She obtained her certificate in climate change and health communication from Yale School of Public Health.

She is a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine board of directors and Chair of the Global Sustainability Committee. Dr. Pathak is also a lecturer at the Yale School of Public Health, where she facilitates coursework on climate change and health.

Through all of her work, she hopes to educate healthcare professionals and the public about the health impacts of climate change and environmental pollution, and the health benefits of climate action. Her research focuses on the intersection of lifestyle medicine and planetary health.

Additionally, Dr. Pathak is the Associate Program Director of the Atlanta VA Medical Center's Quality Scholars Program and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. She is a Primary Care Physician and was a designated women’s health provider at the VA, and continues to see patients at a community health center in Georgia.

Resources

Health Discovered Podcast
Instagram
Threads
Linkedin
Yale Climate Connections
WebMD Profile
Lifestyle Medicine Interventions for Personal and Planetary Health: The Urgent Need for Action
ACLM Commitment Statement to Address Climate Change, Health, and Equity

Bonus Promotion

Check out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate. Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home. As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you’ll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people. Use our exclusive discount code PBC2024 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses. uoguel.ph/pbn.

 

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Episode 57: Running on Plants with Tom Pickering06 Jun 202300:46:27

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by the award-winning filmmaker and director Tom Pickering to chat about his upcoming documentary called “I Could Never Go Vegan” and initiative this June called “Running on Plants”. 

Tom Pickering is a filmmaker and long-time vegan based in the UK. In his words, he was raised on a diet of genre cinema, and from a young age wanted nothing more than to work in the film industry. A decade after graduating film at university, Tom had a number of successful corporate and narrative films under his belt, collecting a string of awards and establishing himself as a director, eventually founding his production company Lock the Tent Productions.

But something was missing. 

Tom’s parents raised him as a vegetarian, and later in life after discovering horrors of the egg and dairy industries, Tom turned vegan. At some point it dawned on Tom that these two huge passions he had in filmmaking and veganism could be combined, and that he could start telling stories that had the power to change lives.

This is where the idea to bring the feature documentary “I Could Never Go Vegan” to the big screen was born. With the help of his brother, Tom set out to capture the various arguments that face the vegan movement and find whether these are justified or not.

A lifelong runner, Tom has also recently launched the new health and fitness campaign called “Running On Plants”, which enables participants to take control of their health by adopting a whole food plant-based diet for the month of June and taking up running. Tom is happily married (listen to this episode and you will know that this is of particular note ;), and when not working he’ll usually be with his wife and cocker spaniel, Chan, out on the trails.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Creating documentaries
  • I Could Never Go Vegan Documentary
  • Running on Plants Initiative

Episode Resources:

Nutrients 2019 Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30634559/
NURMI Study :https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35277039/
Strava: https://www.strava.com/
Switch4Good: https://switch4good.org/plant-based-nutrition-for-athletes/
The Happy Pear: https://thehappypear.ie/about/
Plant-Based Health Professionals UK: https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/

Tom Pickering´s Socials
Documentary Website: https://icouldnevergovegan.co.uk/
Instagram: @thetommypick 

Running On Plants
Website: https://runningonplants.org/
Instagram: @runningonplants1
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/runningonplantspage/ 

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials
Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)
Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)
Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

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Episode 56: What's Good For Your Gut with Desiree Nielsen, RD23 May 202300:56:59

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we are joined Desiree Nielsen, a Registered Dietitian with a focus on plant-based nutrition and digestive health. She is the author of two Canadian bestselling plant-based cookbooks – “Eat More Plants” and “Good For Your Gut”. She is also the host of an evidence-informed wellness podcast, The Allsorts Podcast. She lives in Vancouver, Canada… where she owns a private practice with a non-diet, weight-neutral approach to nutrition and health. Desiree is a mom of two and a sometimes neglectful gardener.

In This Episode We Discuss

  • What inspired her to study nutrition and become a registered dietician  
  • How Desiree incorporates plant-based eating into her practice
  • Her book "Good For Your Gut" and emerging data on gut health
  • Desiree's nuanced approach to probiotics for those with gut issues
  • The role protein plays in gut health
  • Her unique voice on social media amid a sea of health misinformation
  • Her podcast "Allsorts Podcast"

 Episode Resources

Website
Instagram
Podcasts
Blog
“Good for Your Gut” 

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

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Episode 55: Let’s Talk About PCOS with Rohini Bajekal09 May 202301:00:09

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast. In this episode we are joined by Rohini Bajekal to chat about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Rohini is a nutritionist and board-certified Lifestyle Medicine professional. Prior to becoming a nutritionist, she studied theology at Oxford University. Having previously worked in India and Singapore, Rohini is now based in London and provides evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle advice to her clients around the world.

Rohini leads communications at Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, a community interest group that provides education and advocacy on whole food plant-based nutrition for the prevention and treatment of chronic disease, as well as for supporting planetary health. An avid recipe developer, Rohini is passionate about making delicious and nourishing plant- based meals. In her spare time, she volunteers as a cooking teacher at Made in Hackney, the UK's only plant-based cooking school and charity.

Rohini co-authored her first book Living PCOS Free: How to Regain Your Hormonal Health with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome which was published in April 2022. Rohini has personal experience of PCOS after a diagnosis in her 20s. In this episode she shares her experience in addition to delving into the lifestyle medicine related evidence for PCOS available to date.

In this episode we discuss:

  • What is PCOS?
  • Signs and symptoms
  • Long-term consequences
  • Plant-Based and PCOS
  • Plant-based PCOS pantry
  • Common misinformation and misconceptions
  • Self-care activities
  • “it is never too late – what we eat is bigger than just personal health”

Episode Resources
Plant Health Professionals UK PCOS factsheet
Plant Health Professionals UK Soy factsheet
Rotterdam PCOS guidelines
PEN PCOS resource
Article: What can be done for those with PCOS?
Rohini’s Book, Living PCOS Free
Rohini’s Mother´s website

Rohini Bajekal´s Socials
Website: www.rohinibajekal.com
Instagram: @rohinibajekal 

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials
Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)
Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)
Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

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Episode 54: Health & the Existential Threat of the Anthropocene with Dr. David Jenkins 25 Apr 202300:42:11

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we are joined again by Dr. Jenkins. Dr. Jenkins is moderating the University of Toronto’s ongoing Environmental Lecture Series called “Health and the Existential Threat of the Anthropocene”. The first part of the series aims to draw attention to the destructive force of the Anthropocene and its impact on species loss, climate change, human health, and planetary health… while the second series will explore answers to these problems.

Dr. Jenkins is joined by academics and leaders in journalism, advocacy, and beyond who offer unique perspectives… shedding light on the environmental and health consequences caused by the current rate of resource loss, overpopulation, overconsumption, and industrialization.

And the lectures are freely open to the public, so everyone can get involved.

In This Episode We Discuss

  • What the Anthropocene is, and why urgent action is needed to address the issues stemming from it
  • Various guest speakers involved with the lecture series
  • Some of the biggest human-caused problems contributing to the climate crisis
  • The disproportion impact the climate crisis has on already vulnerable populations
  • A preview of part two of the series, addressing solutions to the climate crisis

 Episode Resources

Health (human and planetary) and the Existential Threat of the Anthropocene
Lecture Recordings
Dr. David Jenkins

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

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Episode 53: Your Plant-Based Guide to Fertility, Lisa Simon RD11 Apr 202300:50:32

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we are joined by dietitian and author Lisa Simon.  Lisa is a registered dietitian with a wide range of clinical experience. She splits her time working in the NHS as dietetic lead in child and adolescent mental health, and working at CQC (Care Quality Commission) registered health care service, Plant Based Health Online, running individual and group consultations and delivering educational webinars. Lisa has written a clinical update on diet and fertility for the British Dietetic Association (BDA), and has written the book ‘The Plant-Based Dietitian’s Guide to Fertility: From Pre-conception to Healthy Birth’. Check out the podcast episode for more information and the episode´s show notes for more details about Lisa´s book.

In this episode we discuss:

  • What is infertility?
  • Role of plant-based practices in fertility
  • The various stages and recommendations from preconception to birth
  • LGTBQ+ considerations
  • Specific dietary recommendations for fertility
  • Myths and misconceptions
  • Lisa´s Book, ‘The Plant-Based Dietitian’s Guide to Fertility’
  • Take home message

Episode Resources:

Lisa Simon´s Book,  ‘The Plant-Based Dietitian’s Guide to Fertility’

Barnard et al. Review on Nutrition & Endometriosis 

Canada´s Food Guide, Healthy Eating When Pregnant and Breastfeeding   

EatRight.org, Foods that Can Affect Fertility Article


Lisa Simon´s  Socials:

Website: www.plantbasedhealthonline.com

Instagram (Lisa Simon): @rd_plant.based

Instagram (Plant Based Health Online): @plantbased_healthonline

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:

Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)

Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)

Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)


Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 


This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.



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Episode 52: Smile for Plant-Based Dental Health with Dr. Helen Voronina28 Mar 202300:46:09

First, a quick note, the Plant-Based Canada Nutrition Conference is back again this year!  For more info, check out: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/4th-canadian-plant-based-nutrition-conference-2023-tickets-555842027467

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we are joined by Dr. Helen Voronina. Dr Voronina is a principal dentist at Dr Helen's Dental & Implant Studio - an implant focused practice in Melbourne, Australia. She advocates for a whole food plant-based diet for optimal health, as well as ecological and compassionate reasons, and believes that prevention is the most important aspect of medicine. Her clinic utilizes waste conscious technology, and uses non-animal derived materials where possible. 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Incorporating plant-based practices into personal and professional practices 
  • Dentistry tools and techniques
  • Plant-based sugars & dental decay
  • Beverages & dental health
  • Oral health microbiome & overall health
  • Acidic erosion & brushing 
  • Myths & misconceptions

Episode Resources:

Do vegans get more cavities?

Vegetarian Diet & Dental Health Review

Dr. Helen Voronina´s Socials:

Website: https://drhelen.com.au/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhelensdental/?hl=en
Facebook: Dr Helen's Dental & Implant Studio


Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:

Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)
Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)
Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)


Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi PhD, RD.

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Episode 51: Ending Animal Testing with Dr. Aysha Akhtar14 Mar 202300:42:41

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada podcast, we talk to Dr. Akhtar. Dr. Akhtar is a double Board-certified neurologist and preventive medicine  specialist. She is the Co-founder, President, and CEO of the Center for Contemporary Sciences – a non-profit that is catalyzing the replacement of unreliable animal testing with more effective human-specific research techniques.

Dr. Akhtar is a U-S veteran. She previously served as Deputy Director of the U.S. Army Traumatic Brain Injury Program developing the Army’s brain injury prevention and treatment strategies for soldiers. As a Commander in the U-S Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Dr. Akhtar frequently deployed to assist with national public health emergencies.

For a decade, Dr. Akhtar was a Medical Officer at the Food and Drug Administration, most recently in the Office of Counterterrorism and Emerging Threats, implementing studies on vaccine effectiveness and safety and using her Top Secret Security clearance to develop national preparedness strategies for public health threats.  

Dr. Akhtar is a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. She is the author of the two books, Our Symphony With Animals. On Health, Empathy and Our Shared Destinies and Animals and Public Health, which argues for the need for health institutions to include animals as part of the “public” in public health. More recently, her non-profit -- the Center for Contemporary Sciences – was instrumental in the U-S Congress passing the FDA Modernization Act – a bill which allows the FDA to consider non-animal drug testing methods, instead of requiring animal tests for approval

If you enjoy this episode please consider supporting our show through the link at the bottom of the show notes… or you can donate directly through our website.

Socials
Center for Contemporary Sciences
CCS Facebook
CCS Instagram
CCS Twitter

Links and References
Our Symphony with Animals: On Health, Empathy, and Our Shared Destinies

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Episode 50: Healing the Heart with Dr. Shane Williams28 Feb 202300:55:45

What does a cardiologist recommend for a heart healthy life? 

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we are joined by Dr. Shane Williams. Dr. Williams is a medical doctor with a private practice in Cardiology and Internal Medicine located in Muskoka, Ontario. He was born and raised in Newfoundland, attending Memorial University in St. John´s and then completed his Doctor of Medicine degree and post-graduate fellowship program in Internal Medicine at Memorial as well, followed by a Cardiology Subspecialty Fellowship at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. 

Dr. Williams has both personal and professional experience assessing the science and implementing nutritional approaches, following a whole-foods, plant-based diet. Since 2010, he has been incorporating nutritional education and training into his own everyday life as well as the care of his patients. He is the founder of Williams Cardiology & Wellness Medical Centre and has empowered thousands of his patients with plant-based nutrition and helped them avoid invasive cardiac procedures. Check out the episode for more information.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Incorporating plant-based practices into personal and professional practices 
  • Risk factors for heart disease 
  • Cardiovascular disease prevalence & current research
  • Williams Cardiology “Lunch and Learn” programs

Episode Resources:
Canadian Cardiovascular Society: https://ccs.ca/
Williams Cardiology Lunch & Learn Programs: https://www.williamscardiology.com/programs/lunch-learn/ 

Dr. Shane Williams´ Socials:
Website: Williams Cardiology & Wellness Medical Center: www.williamscardiology.com
Instagram: @drwswilliams
Twitter: @drwswilliams

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)
Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)
Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)

Listen here (https://plantbasedcanadapodcast.buzzsprout.com/) or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi PhD, RD.

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Episode 49: Vegan Pet Food? The science and considerations of feeding animal companions with Mikhail Goussev14 Feb 202300:43:15

Are you an animal lover? Do you have or wonder about how animal companions may be fed in a plant-based home?

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we are joined by Mikhail Goussev to chat about the considerations and science surrounding the alternative plant-based options available for feeding animal companions.

Mikhail graduated from University of Toronto as a mechanical engineer, then several years later received an MBA from the Schulich School of Business. Mikhail became vegan in 2014 and channelled his compassion for animals into Vecado, a vegan pet food company. This came with a lot of thought and consideration as Mikhail explored in-depth the suitability of vegan pet food for dogs and cats through research and speaking with leading veterinarians in Canada and in the United Kingdom. Outside of work Mikhail is a big volleyball enthusiast and likes spending time in Thailand and other tropical countries. He was actually in Thailand when we recorded this episode and he is always on the lookout for delicious vegan restaurants and cafes.

In this episode we discuss:

  • The controversies surrounding plant-based pet food
  • The science behind plant-based compared to controversial pet food
  • The safety & nutrition of plant-based pet food
  • Vecado Plant-Based Pet Foods

Episode Resources:

Vegan-vs Conventional Pet Food & Health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35417464  

Palatability of Vegan-Pet Food for Animals: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34133456/ 

Nutrient Deficiencies in Cats: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33656761/ 

Pet Owners Plant-Based Pet Food Perceptions & Practices: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6333351/  

Mikhail Goussev´s Socials:

Website: Vecado: https://vecado.ca/ 

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:

Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)

Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)

Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)

Listen here (https://plantbasedcanadapodcast.buzzsprout.com/) or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

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Episode 48: Getting to the Gut of Things & More with Naturopathic Doctor Sasha Coleman31 Jan 202300:40:15

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we are joined by Sasha Coleman, ND.

Dr. Coleman completed her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona and stayed in the States for almost 10 years. She is originally from Toronto, Ontario and attended McMaster University where she obtained her BSc. She recently moved back home to fulfil a lifelong dream of working alongside her sister, Dr. Tenisha Mitchell-Lambert who is a family physician with an emphasis in Lifestyle Medicine.  (You may remember Dr. Tenisha from Episode 38 of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast, if not, check it out after this episode 🙂.) Together they work at Integrative Interactive Health in Mississauga, Ontario. 

Dr. Coleman was introduced to vegan and vegetarian cooking at a young age and made the decision to adopt this lifestyle for herself. Shortly after making those changes, her father became ill and began working with a Naturopathic doctor. After witnessing her father’s health improve by implementing a more plant forward diet in conjunction with other Naturopathic therapies, she decided to pursue Naturopathy for herself. Due to her personal and professional experiences, Dr. Coleman shares that she is delighted to educate and treat people using the tools of natural medicine and dietary modification to positively impact health and overcome disease.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Lifestyle Practices
  • Gut Health & The Microbiome
  • Food sensitivity*
  • Food sensitivity vs. Food allergy
  • Impact of Inflammation
  • Integrative Interactive Health Clinic and Clients

*Disclaimer: the sensitivity tests discussed in this episode are administered in a clinical setting under medical supervision. For more information on food allergies, intolerances or sensitivities please consult with your healthcare professional.

Episode Resources:

What is Lifestyle Medicine? ResourceArticle 

Food Allergies and Intolerances Health Canada Resource  

Diet & Gut Microbiota Review

Dietary Patterns & Gut Microbiota Article

Vegan Diet & Gut Microbiota Review 

Sasha Coleman´s Socials

Website: Integrative Interactive Health (Clinic)

Instagram: @i2health

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:

Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)

Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)

Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)

Listen here (https://plantbasedcanadapodcast.buzzsprout.com/) or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

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Episode 84: "Animal vs Plant-Based Meat: A Hearty Debate" with Dr. Matthew Nagra19 Jul 202400:29:15

Dr. Matthew Nagra joins the Plant-Based Podcast again to break down a new review he and his colleagues recently published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology on plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) and their impact on heart health.

This review, which is linked in the show notes, is called “Animal vs. Plant-Based Meat: A Hearty Debate”, and looks at studies spanning from 1970 to 2023. It explores the nutritional profiles of PBMAs compared to their animal-based counterparts and explores their effects on markers of cardiovascular health.

They found that compared to meat, plant based meat alternatives were: generally lower in saturated fat, higher in polyunsaturated fat, and higher in dietary fibre. They also found improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors when meat was replaced with plant-based alternatives.

If you haven’t already, check out our other podcasts with Dr. Nagra on episode two when he debunked common nutrition myths and misinformation, and on episode 47 when he discussed misinformation around the “Food Compass System” designed by Tufts University researchers.

Resources

Dr. Nagra’s et al. review: Animal vs Plant-Based Meat: A Hearty Debate
Dr. Nagra's interview in Men’s Health: New Scientific Review Reveals That Vegan Meat Alternatives Lower Cardiovascular Risks
Dr. Nagra’s Website
Instagram
FaceBook
YouTube
Twitter

Bonus Promotion

Check out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate. Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home. As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you’ll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people. Use our exclusive discount code PBC2024 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses. uoguel.ph/pbn.

Support the show

Episode 47: Dr. Matthew Nagra Debunks Misinformation Around the Food Compass System24 Jan 202300:27:41

Recently, several large social media platforms known for spreading misinformation shared a post alleging a new nutrient profile system developed by Tufts University -- called the Food Compass System (FCS) -- suggested “Lucky Charms” were healthier than steak.

While there have been legitimate criticisms of the system, there are many false narratives and inaccuracies that have proliferated online.

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast, Dr. Matthew Nagra joins us to deep dive into some of that misinformation.

This is Dr. Nagra’s second time on the Plant-Based Canada podcast. If you enjoy this episode, check out our first episode with Dr. Nagra, Episode 2, which covered a wide-range of nutrition myths and misinformation.

 

In this episode we discuss:

  • What the Food Compass System is and how it scores food
  • Misrepresentations of the FCS by The Good Ranchers and Joe Rogan
  • How misinformation actors manipulate data
  • The damage large platforms can cause by spreading misinformation
  • Dr. Nagra's misinformation red flags



Socials

Dr. Nagra’s website
Dr. Nagra’s Instagram
Dr. Nagra’s Facebook
Dr. Nagra’s YouTube
Dr. Nagra's Guide to Optimal Cholesterol Levels
Join Dr. Nagra's Nutrition Community 


Links and References

Tufts University Food Compass System
Food Compass FAQ 

Support the show

Episode 46: Atlanta Grant on Indigenous Food Sovereignty03 Jan 202301:05:43

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast, we talk to Atlanta Grant -- an Iroquois woman with mixed Huron-Wendat and German ancestry, originally from the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Ojibwe, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. She is a present guest on the traditional territories of the xwməθkwəýəm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples.

Atlanta is a Masters candidate at the University of British Columbia in the Institute of Resources, Environment, and Sustainability. Her research focuses on Indigenous Food Systems, Indigenous Food Sovereignty, Decolonized Research Methodologies, Cultural Preservation and Cross-Cultural Collaborations.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Indigenous Food Sovereignty
  • Food cycling practices, and how it differs from the Western concept of food waste
  • The decolonization of our food systems, and the reinstatement of Indigenous Natural Law
  • The inappropriate integrations of Indigenous Knowledge into Western systems
  • Food insecurity and accessibility in Indigenous communities
  • How non-Indigenous and Indigenous peoples can collaborate within environmental movements in the climate change sector 

 

Socials

UBC Food Sovereignty Lab 

Twitter

Instagram 

Email: atlantagrnt@gmail.com 


Links and References 

Deborah McGregor (Two Row Wampum) – “Survivance: Narratives of Native Presence” and “Traditional ecological knowledge and the two—row wampum

Ross Neasloss (Two Spirit, Kitasoo/Xai’xais) – “Food Reconciliation”

Georges E. Sioui (Wendat) – “Huron-Wendat: The Heritage of the Circle” 

Kyle Whyte (Potawatomi)

Max Liboiron (Red River Métis/Michif ) – “Pollution is Colonialism” 

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Episode 45: Nital Jethalal on Plant-Based Eating Patterns in the GTA20 Dec 202200:53:37

In this episode we talk to Nital Jethalal -- a plant-based policy analyst and economist with Plant-Based Data and the president of VegTO, a Toronto-based non-profit that seeks to inspire people to choose healthier, greener, and more compassionate lifestyles. Nital is also the co-founder and chair of the Veg Climate Network and sits on the board of directors for the Toronto Vegetarian Food Bank.

In our conversation, we talk about a recent survey conducted by VegTO and the Angus Reid Institute that looked at food choices and awareness in the G-T-A. It found two in three residents want to reduce their meat consumption and that over 85 percent say they are aware of the impacts of animal products on the environment. We get into these findings and many others… and what they mean moving forward.


Socials

Plant Based Data

VegTO

TO Veg Food Bank 

Veg Climate Network


Studies/Links

“Food Choices & Awareness in the Greater Toronto Area” (2022)

“Will People Cut Down the Amount of Meat They Eat for the Planet?  For many the answer is no” (2022)

“Survey Finds that 77% of Canadians Understand the Harmful Impacts of Eating Meat” (2020)

“Food Politics: How the food industry influences nutrition and health” Marion Nestle (2008)

“Regenesis: Feeding the world without devouring the planet” (2022) - George Monbiot

“A Menu for Change: Using behavioural science to promote sustainable diets around the world” (2020)

“The Economic Burden of Not Meeting the Canada Food Guide Recommendations” (2018) - Lieffers et al

Food Empowerment Project

Apex Advocacy

“Can Lifestyle Changes Reverse Coronary Heart Disease?” - Dean Ornish (1990) 

“Geography, International Trade & Political Mobilization in US Industries”  - Marc
Busch (2001)
 

“Bloodless Revolution” - Tristan Stuart (2008) 

Doug Evans “The Sprout Book” (2020)

“Nudge” (2008)

 The China Study

C40 Good Food Cities Declaration

Canadian Institute for Health Information

 “Sapiens” - Yuval Noah Harari (2011)

“Animal Liberation” - Peter Singer (1975)

Sacred Economics (2011) - Charles Eisenstein 

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Episode 45: Thriving at 70+ years (from menopause to weightlifting) with Jane Thurnell-Read06 Dec 202201:01:49

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we are joined by Jane Thurnell-Read.

Jane is an independent author & blogger with more than 10 published books and a blog that aims to provide scientific information about health and wellness to the public. Jane is in her seventies and loves inspiring others, especially as it relates to achieving good health and happiness regardless of your age. She has been vegan for 7 years and vegetarian for over 40 years before that, and regularly goes to the gym and enjoys lifting weights. She posts gym videos on Instagram to encourage other older people. However, it wasn’t always like this. Earlier in life, Jane shares she hated exercise and her diet was half a bottle of scotch, 40 cigarettes, chocolate, toast and orange juice. Now she is a passionate vegan and committed to staying healthy and strong as she gets older.
 
In this episode we discuss:

  • Menopause & symptom reduction
  • Weight loss/management strategies
  • Staying healthy as we age
  • Exercising / deadlifting
  • Misconceptions about health in older age
  • Role models

Episode Resources:
Menopause knowledge article
Menopause symptom management article
Impact of exercise on menopause symptoms article
Weight management in midlife for women article
Harvard Medical School - Menopause Symptoms
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Health and Soul Fitness
Jane´s Books

Jane Thurnell-Read´s Socials:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube 

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram
Facebook
Website 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

Correction: Please note the quote from the Harvard Medical School should refer to 40,000 meals and not the 4,000 meals that was said in this episode. Thanks for your understanding!

Thank you for tuning in! 

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Episode 44: Dr. Jeffrey Alfonsi and the Power of Sustainable Changes 22 Nov 202200:34:47

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada we chat with Dr Alfonsi. Dr. Jeffrey Alfonsi is an engineer and physician specializing in Internal Medicine, Obesity Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology. He serves as the Chief Product and Medical Officers of RX Food. He currently practices at Trillium Health Partners, Cleveland Clinic Canada, and London Health Sciences Centre.

Dr. Alfonsi has an interest in the delivery of personalized medicine, and is actively involved in research to develop a model to deliver personalized medicine across Ontario and Canada. He also believes in the power of diet and lifestyle medicine – helping his patients build healthy and sustainable habits when it comes to what they put on their plates.

He has maintained his passion for engineering over the years, creating multiple mobile health applications – including RX Food, an app using A.I. to assess patients’ daily eating habits – and is currently developing image-processing technologies to identify the nutritional content of foods to better manage chronic diseases.

 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Dr. Alfonsi’s interest in engineering and nutrition and how he merges the two 
  • How he utilizes lifestyle medicine and plant-based diets with his patients
  • How sustainability and personalized medicine plays into his approach
  • How Dr. Alfonsi developed RX Food, how it works, and how it helps his patients
  • The biggest challenges when it comes to educating physicians and patients about the power of lifestyle medicine


Socials

Dr. Alfonsi's Twitter
RX Food
AI Twitter

Studies

Carbohydrate-last meal pattern lowers postprandial glucose and insulin excursions in type 2 diabetes

Fermented-food diet increases microbiome diversity, decreases inflammatory proteins, study finds 



Support the show

Episode 43: Tara Gallimore on Achieving Performance Goals on a Plant-Based Diet 18 Oct 202201:20:41

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we chat with Tara Gallimore, Registered Dietitian and Canadian expert in plant-based sports nutrition. She earned a bachelor’s of Kinesiology; played soccer for 10 years; is certified by Excellence Sportive de l’île de Montréal (ESIM); and teaches sports nutrition at a couple of different circus schools across Canada and the United States.

Tara founded Plantae Nutrition to help vegan, vegetarian, and veggie-curious active people and athletes of all levels achieve their performance goals while maintaining a healthy relationship with food.

In this episode we discuss:

Common questions and misconceptions around eating plant-based as an athlete

Barriers athletes face, including eating disorders

Supplements including BCAAs and Creatine

Fasting and timed eating

How athletes who are training can meet energy needs on a whole-foods plant-based diet


SOCIALS

Website
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin 


Support the show

Episode 42: Margaux Khoury on Ethical Start-Ups & Being Plant-Based in the Corporate World04 Oct 202200:46:24

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we are joined by Margaux Khoury.

Margaux Khoury is a Business Founder, Start up Advisor, Artist, Environmental activist, Certified in Plant-Based Nutrition, and language lover.

She has started a wide range of companies and eco brands, including founding a global, 100% plastic-free, vegan company. She is also a corporate advisor for ethical start-ups, especially those wanting to be vegan for the environment, human health, and animal welfare. She is now working with the Plant Futures Initiative, especially the chapter at Harvard University where she mentors students on their mission towards a plant-based future at Harvard and beyond. Stay tuned for our conversation where we hear exciting updates about her work with this team.  Margaux is certified in holistic plant-based nutrition, with a focus on longevity. She has studied what the longest living people on earth have in common and loves helping families like hers. As demonstrated by the initiative  Rising Mothers, where her aim is to create a community of parents raising their children on plants and who want to live healthier, longer.  

She has been a guest speaker at both Saint Thomas and Harvard University, and a frequent lecturer on animal rights, environmental issues, animal agriculture, ethics and true human health. Margaux has worked with leaders on helping farms switch from farming animals to farming plants. She believes that authenticity is paramount, especially in the professional landscape. She loves finding ways to truly add value to people’s lives. 

In this episode we discuss:

  • Becoming a Business Founder
  • Experience Starting Plant-Based Companies
  • Being a Corporate Advisor
  • Plant Futures Initiative 

Episode Resources:

Rising Mothers: https://rising-mothers.com/

Plant Futures Initiative: https://www.plantfuturesinitiative.org/ 

Margaux Khoury’s Socials:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/corporate-advisor-margaux-khoury-start-up-advisor/ 

FB group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/risingmotherssummit/

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:

Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)

Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)

Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

Support the show

Episode 41: Dr. Jade Dittaro on the Power of Lifestyle Medicine 20 Sep 202200:52:59

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we chat with Dr. Jade Dittaro, a lifestyle medicine physician in the Okanagan. She is certified with the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine, has a certification in plant-based nutrition from eCornell University, and has completed Dr. Michael Klaper’s Master Class in Nutrition.

Dr. Dittaro now plans to challenge the American Boards of Obesity next year, and recently completed the Obesity: Etiology, Prevention, and Treatment course through Columbia University’s Institute of Human Nutrition. She is enrolled in the Clinicians Culinary Health Education Fundamentals (CHEF) coaching from the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School.

Originally family medicine trained and traveling rurally to practice both family and emergency medicine, Dr. Dittaro settled in Kelowna and holds positions as a Hospitalist, Site Director for both the UBC Kelowna Rural and Regional Family Practice sites, and as a Clinical Instructor with the UBC Southern Medical Program.

Dr. Dittaro has not only reviewed the evidence, but experienced personally the benefits of a whole food plant-based diet, and truly sees its potential to revolutionize our idea of “healthcare”. She joined Aroga Lifestyle Medicine Clinic based out of Victoria, BC in 2020, and it has been life changing for her and so many patients.

In this episode we discuss:

  • A day in Dr. Dittaro's life working at Aroga and Kelowna General 
  • The six pillars of lifestyle medicine
  • Helping patients choose attainable goals on their path to better health 
  • Animal welfare and environmental concerns 
  • Tips and tricks on raising children on a plant-based diet 
  • Her battle with Lupus and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 

SOCIALS

Facebook
Instagram
Aroga   

STUDIES
Nurses Health Study
Dr. Brooke Goldner
The China Study
Team Sherzai
Nutrition Facts
Game Changers
The Proof  Podcast with Simon Hill
Plantrician Pediatric Plant-Based Nutrition Quick Start Guide
Atherosclerosis in Young Children
Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Beginning in Childhood
Fiber Fuelled by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
Blue Zones
Dr. Matthew Nagra

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Episode 40: What it means to be a “Pod Leader” with Michelle Tree06 Sep 202200:59:43

Michelle Tree is our special guest for this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast.

Michelle Tree (@treelivity) is a PlantPure Communities Pod Leader and member of the PlantPure Pod Advisory Committee. She started her group, Plant Based Living Winnipeg in 2016 after watching the food documentary PlantPure Nation, from which the PlantPure Communities grew. With her background as an event manager, Michelle organised potlucks and get-togethers designed to create friendships and help people thrive on whole foods. The group has grown to over 1500 members and continues to encourage people to make the switch to a plant-based lifestyle. 

In 2021, Michelle jumped at the chance to join the PlantPure Pod Advisory Committee, taking on a more impactful role within the Pod Network by collaborating with pod leaders around the world. 

In this episode we discuss:

  • How PlantPure Communities (PPC) Pod Network emerged
  • What it means to be a “Pod Leader”
  • Building Community
  • Using & Developing the Skills We Have
  • Global Learnings
  • Edible gardening
  • Reinventing and rebuilding how to connect during the past 2 years

Episode Resources:

PlantPure Nation 

Plant Pure Communities

Pod Advisory Committee

PAC member video interview series 

Read more about the 2021 PAC in this press release

Dr. Michael Gregor, NutritionFacts

Moving Medicine Forward, Dr. Michael Klaper

T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies & The China Study

Forks over Knives

The Pleasure Trap (book)

Square Foot Gardening

American College of Lifestyle Medicine Certification

Michelle’s Socials

Websites:

Treelivity: http://www.treelivity.com/

Plant Based Living Winnipeg: https://www.plantbasedwpg.com/ 

Plant Pure Communities: https://plantpurecommunities.org/pac/

Instagram: 

@plantbasedwpg

@treelivity

Twitter: 

@Treelivity

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:

Instagram

Facebook

Website  

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

#plantbased #health #diet #nutrition
#PlantBasedLiving #Winnipeg #PlantBasedlivingWinnipeg
#PlantPureNation #PlantPureCommunities #PodLeader
#PodAdvisoryCommittee #PodNetwork
#squarefootgarden #ediblegardening
#urbanagriculture #community



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Episode 39: Lee Saveit on Losing Weight & Keeping It Off on a Plant-Based Diet23 Aug 202200:46:51

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we chat with Lee Satveit, BA, JD -- a writer and an advocate for a whole foods, plant-based diet. He is a former corporate executive, human rights lawyer, and litigator whose stressful career and poor diet lead to obesity.

After a heart attack at age 41, Lee radically changed his diet, eliminating his type 2 diabetes, losing more than 80 pounds. He now seeks to demystify how people can affect and maintain the same changes he made. Lee believes if he can do it, anyone can.

Lee uses social media accounts like twitter where you can find him under the handle @SilverbackDiet, and provides advice on how to lose weight. He plans to publish a career guide for law students and undergraduate students, as well as a compilation of tips and tricks for weight loss with a focus on keeping food flavorful -- and satiating – in addition to being healthy.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Lee's switch to a whole foods, plant-based diet as a method to improve his health
  • His weight loss, and improved BMI, A1C, and cholesterol levels
  • How he navigated social life after making the change
  • Reading nutrition labels and meal prepping
  • Tips and tricks on sticking to a weight loss plan including caloric density and macro tracking 


SOCIALS

Twitter
Instagram

STUDIES 

China study
Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease
Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease

Support the show

Episode 82: How To Go Plant Based for Beginners with Dr. Thomas Hedley 18 Jul 202400:59:47

In this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast, we talk to Dr. Thomas Hedley – a certified lifestyle medicine doctor who also practices as a GP oncologist at BC Cancer in Vancouver, Canada. His interest in lifestyle medicine started while working in a research lab that showed eating ground flaxseed, which comes from the flax plant, could lower blood pressure as much as medication. Since then, he shifted toward a plant-based eating pattern and personally experienced increased vitality as a result.

As a lifestyle medicine doctor, Dr. Hedley has worked with patients wanting to adopt a plant-based diet to improve their health. Through his work, he has witnessed people of all ages experiencing the benefits of adding more plant-based foods into their life.

Dr. Hedley gives us a crash course in how, what, and when to eat when shifting to a healthier diet. From swapping foods out for healthier ones, to managing cravings, to easing into plant-based diets.

Resources

  • Summary of study on the benefits of ground flaxseed for high blood pressure
  • Calculator that estimates the impact of food choices on life expectancy, and original study used to create the tool
  • Study on ultra-processed food addiction
  • Study on GLP-1 levels in response to plant-based vs. beef burger
  • Referenced study on morning loaded vs. evening loaded calories
  • Dr. Hedley's Linkedin profile 

Bonus Promotion

Check out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate. Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home. As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you’ll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people. Use our exclusive discount code PBC2024 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses. uoguel.ph/pbn.


Support the show

Episode 38: Integrative Interactive Health with Dr. Tenisha09 Aug 202200:49:59

Dr. Tenisha Mitchell-Lambert, Lifestyle Medicine Physician and Founder of the clinic Integrative Interactive Health, is our special guest for this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast.

Dr. Tenisha Mitchell-Lambert, also affectionately known online as Dr. Tenisha, received her Medical degree from Loma Linda University and is a Family Physician with a Masters in Lifestyle Medicine.  This dual training allows her to not only focus on the pharmaceutical treatments for chronic illness, but also the impact of lifestyle factors like diet and exercise.  She is passionate about promoting good health through dietary choices, exercise and stress management, which she does in the office as well as in the community.  She is a strong believer in people-care, recognizing that health conditions encompass physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual aspects.

In this episode we discuss:

  • Introduction to Plant-Based Practices
  • Making S.M.A.R.T. Goals
  • Resources for Evidence-Based Practice
  • Dr. Tenisha´s Lifestyle Medicine Consultation & Practice
  • Engaging Community
  • #SharetheMedicalMic Campaign

Episode Resources:

What is Lifestyle Medicine?: https://www.lifestylemedicine.org/ACLM/ACLM/About/What_is_Lifestyle_Medicine_/Lifestyle_Medicine.aspx?hkey=26f3eb6b-8294-4a63-83de-35d429c3bb88

What is Lifestyle Medicine? (article): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30283259/ 

Loma Linda University about Seventh-day Adventists: https://home.llu.edu/about-llu/history/about-seventh-day-adventists 

Nutrition Facts: https://nutritionfacts.org/ 

UptoDate, Evidence-Based Medicine: www.uptodate.com/contents/evidence-based-medicine 

Making S.M.A.R.T. Goals (from Unlock Food): https://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/Menu-Planning/Your-Guide-to-Setting-Healthy-Living-Goals 

American College of Lifestyle Medicine Certification: https://www.lifestylemedicine.org/ACLM/Certification/Become_Certified.aspx

Dr. Tenisha’s Socials

Website: Integrative Interactive Health (Clinic): https://www.i2healthclinic.com/

Instagram: 

@i2health

@dr10isha

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:

Instagram

Facebook

Website  

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

#plantbased #health  #diet #nutrition

#LifestyleMedicine #6pillarsofhealth #plantbasedlifestyle 

#CommunityExercise #SMARTgoals

#IntegrativeInteractiveHealth #I2Health 

#podcast



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Episode 37: “One Week in Paradise” with Brothers George & Daniel Cho26 Jul 202200:43:55

Can you think of one single moment that has influenced your life? 

For this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast, we are joined by special guests, twin brothers, George and Daniel Cho, as they share one moment that has had a profound influence on their lives and discuss how it led them to their spirituality and where they are today.

Daniel Cho, MPH is President of Lifestyle Is Medicine, a non-profit organisation that helps people prevent and reverse today's most common health conditions through community health programs. Daniel embraced plant-based eating after becoming a Seventh-day Adventist christian at the age of 16 and has dedicated his life to helping others experience the healing power of plant-based nutrition and healthy lifestyles. Daniel completed his bachelors in nutrition at the University of Toronto and his Masters in Public Health at Loma Linda University.

George Cho ND MFSc CEP is a plant-based naturopathic doctor at Pathways Lifestyle Medicine Clinic and Energy Shack Juice Bar in Toronto as well as Paradise Fields in Hamilton. His clinical practice focuses on treating lifestyle-related diseases using a unique combination of natural therapies and lifestyle medicine. He has been plant-based for nearly 20 years and lectures widely on lifestyle as medicine and plant-based nutrition. He completed his undergraduate in kinesiology and Masters in Fitness Science at York University and his naturopathic degree at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Both Daniel and George are directors for the plant-based lifestyle medicine immersion program called One Week In Paradise and help lead Compassion Health Toronto, a non-profit that provides free health services to the less fortunate in Toronto.

In this episode George & Daniel discuss:

  • Their path to plant-based practices
  • Naturopathic practices
  • Their plant-based and lifestyle initiatives
  • Being Seventh-day Adventist

Episode Resources:

What is Lifestyle Medicine?

What is Lifestyle Medicine? (article)

Loma Linda University about Seventh-day Adventists

What is Naturopathic Medicine? 

American College of Lifestyle Medicine Certification 

George & Daniel’s Socials

Related Websites:

Lifestyle is Medicine: www.lifestylemed.org

Pathways to Wholeness: https://www.pathwaystowholeness.ca 

One Week in Paradise: https://www.paradisefields.ca/oneweekinparadise 

Compassion Health Toronto: https://www.compassionhealthtoronto.com/ 

George Cho: https://drgeorgecho.com/

Instagram: 

@drgeorgecho

@lifestyleismed

@paradise_fields

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:

Instagram

Facebook

Website  

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Step

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Episode 36: Dan & Sheanne Moskaluk on Beating Obesity & Kicking Cancer to the Curb12 Jul 202201:16:46

In the latest episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast we chat with Dan and Sheanne Moskaluk. The duo, known as the Indian Rock Vegans on social media, have been whole-food plant-based vegan lifestyle health advocates since 2013. 

As Keynote Speakers at Health Conferences, Vegfests, and on podcasts, they share their life-changing health recovery stories after making the shift.

A veteran police officer of 33 years, Dan attributes his plant-based diet to helping him survive a bout with stage four kidney cancer. And after years of trying various diet regimes, switching to a plant-based lifestyle resulted in Sheanne losing 133lbs – and keeping the weight off.

The duo is also featured in the critically acclaimed health documentary film “Eating You Alive” where they detail their amazing journeys.

They’re now dedicated to helping others by rolling up their sleeves and promoting the benefits of a whole-foods plant-based lifestyle.

 SOCIALS

Facebook

Instagram 

Eating You Alive: Sheanne’s Story 

ARTICLES

Vancouver Sun: B.C. Cop Crosses Protest Lines for Animal Rights

Eating You Alive: Sheanne’s story 

Vancouver Sun: B.C. Cop Crosses Protest Lines for Animal Rights

STUDIES 

China study 

Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease

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Episode 36: Dr. Hana Kahleova, Director of Clinical Research for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine28 Jun 202200:41:07

Dr. Hana Kahleova is our special guest in this episode of the Plant-Based Canada Podcast! 

Dr. Kahleova is director of clinical research for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. She has conducted several clinical trials, using a plant-based diet in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disease. Her research showed that a plant-based diet leads to a greater weight loss and improvement in metabolism, and addresses multiple mechanisms behind diabetes.

Her research proved that eating a large breakfast and lunch is more beneficial than eating six smaller meals a day for patients with type 2 diabetes. Her research on meal frequency and timing showed that eating less frequently, no snacking, consuming breakfast, and eating the largest meal in the morning may be effective methods for preventing long-term weight gain. 

As a member of the American Diabetes Association and as a board member of the Diabetes and Nutrition Study Group, Dr. Kahleova is directly involved in the process of updating the nutritional recommendations for patients with diabetes. 

In this episode Hana shares:

  • Her “Plant-Based” story
  • Meal Timing & Frequency 
  • Body Weight Management
  • Healthy vs. Unhealthy PBD
  • Future Research 

Episode Resources:

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine 

Crosby L et al. Changes in Food and Nutrient Intake and Diet Quality on a Low-Fat Vegan Diet Are Associated with Changes in Body Weight, Body Composition, and Insulin Sensitivity in Overweight Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2022. 

Kahleova H, Barnard ND. Can a plant-based diet help mitigate Covid-19? Eur J Clin Nutr. 2022. 

Malinska H, et al. A plant-based meal reduces postprandial oxidative and dicarbonyl stress in men with diabetes or obesity compared with an energy- and macronutrient-matched conventional meal in a randomized crossover study. Nutr Metab. 2021. 

Kahleova H, et al. A plant-based diet in overweight adults in a 16-week randomized clinical trial: The role of dietary acid load. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021. 

Barnard ND, et al. The Women's Study for the Alleviation of Vasomotor Symptoms (WAVS): a randomized, controlled trial of a plant-based diet and whole soybeans for postmenopausal women. Menopause. 2021. 

Jardine MA, et al. Perspective: Plant-Based Eating Pattern for Type 2 Diabetes Prevention and Treatment: Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Practical Considerations. Adv Nutr. 2021. 

Barnard ND, et al. A Mediterranean Diet and Low-Fat Vegan Diet to Improve Body Weight and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: A Randomized, Cross-over Trial. J Am Nutr Assoc. 2022. 

Plant-Based Canada’s Socials:
Instagram
Facebook
Website  

Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast to get notified when new episodes are published. 

This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.

#plantbased #health #diet #nutrition 
#intermittenfasting #mealtiming #mealfrequency #healthyplantbased
#nutritionresearch #diabetes #weightloss #endometriosis
#healthguidelines #evidencedbasedplantbased #evidencebasedhealth  
#podcast

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