130: Breaking Free from Diet Culture through Raw Foods with Melissa Maris

In this compelling conversation, holistic nutritionist Stacey Heiny sits down with Melissa Maris, a passionate advocate for raw vegan living who has been thriving on this lifestyle since 2014. After years of yo-yo dieting, severe gut issues, and hitting rock bottom with her health at age 34, Melissa discovered the transformative power of a low-fat raw vegan diet. Now, 11 years later, she shares her journey of healing and the practical wisdom she's gained along the way. Guest Bio Melissa Maris is a raw vegan educator, recipe developer, and photographer who champions animal welfare and optimal health through plant-based living. She speaks at various events and summits, has created over 1,000 raw vegan recipes across 28 eBooks, and runs an online community helping others transition to and thrive on a raw food lifestyle. Known as Raw Food Romance on social media, she combines her culinary creativity with practical solutions for sustainable healthy living. Episode Overview Melissa shares her powerful transformation story, from working at a health food store while secretly struggling with candida, cystic acne, and disordered eating patterns, to discovering the missing pieces that made raw veganism finally work for her. The conversation explores practical strategies for incorporating more raw foods, strengthening gut health, and creating a sustainable approach to healthy eating without restriction or guilt. Key Topics Discussed The critical difference between high-fat and low-fat raw vegan approaches Why adequate calorie intake is essential for raw food success Building digestive strength through fiber diversity and gradual adaptation The role of psyllium husk in gut healing and recipe creation Balancing raw and cooked foods without demonizing either Creating convenience foods like dehydrated wraps for busy lifestyles The importance of meal timing and frequency on a raw diet Mindset shifts that support long-term healthy habits Notable Insights Most raw food diets fail due to undereating and excessive fat consumption The gut microbiome needs time to adapt to higher fiber intake Cooking methods matter: steaming and boiling preserve more nutrients than high-heat methods Starting the day with fruit provides sustainable energy and supports proper digestion Creating raw versions of familiar foods helps with social situations and travel Resources Mentioned Hand Salads: Raw Vegan Wraps (available as eBook and hardcover) Over 28 raw vegan recipe eBooks covering burgers, tacos, ice cream, and more Community School at rawfoodromance.com for live classes and support Excalibur dehydrator for creating wraps and warming foods Connect with Melissa Maris Instagram: @rawfoodromance YouTube: Raw Food Romance Website: rawfoodromance.com eBooks: payhip.com/rawfoodromance (use code RAWFOOD40 for 40% off) Episode Takeaway Melissa's journey reminds us that true health transformation isn't about perfection or restriction, but about finding an approach that nourishes both body and soul. By focusing on abundance rather than limitation, adequate nutrition rather than deprivation, and thinking of our future selves when making daily choices, we can create sustainable changes that last a lifetime. About Your Host Stacey Heiny is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Plant-Based Nutrition Coach who founded The Herban Farmacy to help women transform their health through whole food, plant-based living. Having interviewed over 150 experts in the wellness world and broken free from her own struggles with food, she brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to every conversation. Stacey lives in Indiana where she and her husband Kyle own an organic produce farm. Connect with Stacey: Website: theherbanfarmacy.com Instagram: @theherbanfarmacy New Today Podcast is powered by the National Health Association. Subscribe for weekly conversations exploring the path to lasting health and fulfillment through whole food plant-based living.

Show Notes: From Rock Bottom to Radiant Health with Stacey Heiny Episode Overview In this inspiring episode, guest host Maxime Sigouin sits down with Stacey Heiny, a certified holistic nutritionist and lifestyle wellness mentor who transformed her life from depression, anxiety, and chronic health issues to vibrant wellness through plant-based living and mind-body practices. Guest Bio Stacey Heiny is a certified holistic nutritionist, lifestyle wellness mentor, and founder of The Herban Farmacy. She holds certifications from the Physicians Committee (Food for Life instructor), Cornell University (plant-based nutrition), and is a newly certified plant-based coach through the Food Revolution Network. From her organic farm in Indiana, she grows produce, crafts elderberry wellness remedies, and empowers women through coaching, e-courses, and community building around clean living and holistic health. Key Topics Discussed Stacey's Transformation Journey Rock bottom moment: Depression, anxiety, ADHD medication (Adderall), asthma, and poor lifestyle habits in her early 20s Pivotal moment: Lying on the couch after eating Papa John's pizza, realizing "there had to be something more" The catalyst: Mind-body connection through Pilates and yoga Books that changed everything: Natural remedies guide, "Diet for a New America" by John Robbins Documentary impact: "Fast Food Nation" - immediate shift away from meat consumption The Mind-Body Connection Revolution Breaking free from the "caffeinated morning, wine at night" lifestyle Learning to slow down and connect with her body through Pilates and yoga The gut-brain connection and managing IBS symptoms through stress reduction Moving from sympathetic to parasympathetic nervous system dominance Common Plant-Based Transition Mistakes Under-fueling: The biggest hurdle - not eating enough calories due to lower caloric density of plant foods Fear of starch: Avoiding necessary complex carbohydrates like whole grains, beans, and potatoes Perfectionism trap: All-or-nothing mentality instead of sustainable progress Inadequate protein planning: Especially important for women over 40 dealing with sarcopenia Practical Solutions for Success Plate balancing: Understanding caloric density and proper portions Protein optimization: Embracing minimally processed options like tofu, tempeh, and plant protein powders Meal timing: "Eat like a king in the morning, prince at lunch, pauper at dinner" Social navigation: Planning ahead for restaurants and social gatherings Breaking Free from Societal Norms The leadership mindset: Being the leader in your social circle for healthy choices Restaurant strategies: Ordering first, asking for modifications without shame Family and peer pressure: Navigating holidays and social events while staying committed Personal Development and Authenticity Daily self-work: Listening to podcasts, working with coaches, and continuous growth Your story matters: The power of sharing vulnerabilities to help others Fear of judgment: Working through limiting beliefs and taking "messy, imperfect action" Community importance: Finding supportive people who align with your values The Farm Life Integration Organic farming journey: Growing from backyard gardening to operating a farm Farmers market success: Selling organic produce and herbal remedies Future vision: Creating plant-based foods for the local community using tested recipes Toxin reduction: Growing clean food as part of overall wellness strategy Key Takeaways Start with mind-body connection - Slow, mindful movement can be the gateway to overall health transformation Fuel properly - Don't under-eat when transitioning to plant-based; embrace healthy starches Progress over perfection - 85% plant-based is better than giving up entirely Plan for social situations - Preparation is key to maintaining your lifestyle in challenging environments Invest in personal development - Daily self-work and coaching accelerate growth Your story has power - Sharing your journey authentically helps others and strengthens your own commitment Resources Mentioned Certifications: Food Revolution Network Plant-Based Coaching Certification: https://certificate.foodrevolution.org/join/ (Stacey calls this "one of the best certifications" she's taken and believes "everybody needs to become a plant-based coach") Books: "Diet for a New America" by John Robbins "The Kind Diet" by Alicia Silverstone "Sun Food Diet Success System" by David Wolfe "4,000 Weeks" by Oliver Burkeman Products: Big Mountain Foods Fava Bean Tofu (64g protein per block) Podcasts: The Mindset Mentor with Rob Dial Upcoming Events: Modern Homemaker Conference - September 2025 (Indiana) NHA Conference - June 2025 Connect with Stacey Instagram: @TheHerbanFarmacy YouTube: The Herban Farmacy Facebook: Stacey Heiny Free Resource: High Raw Revival Mini Video Course - A guide to incorporating more raw, living plant foods into your diet for better health and glowing skin. Final Thoughts This episode beautifully illustrates that transformation is possible at any stage of life when you're willing to challenge societal norms and prioritize your health. Stacey's journey from rock bottom to radiant wellness serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset, community support, and commitment to personal growth, we can reclaim our health and help others do the same. Remember: Life is only 4,000 weeks - what are you going to do with yours? Guest Host: Maxime Sigouin is the founder and CEO of Fit Vegan Coaching, helping people optimize their health through plant-based nutrition and lifestyle design.

About This Episode Join host Maxime Sigouin as he sits down with Dr. Csilla Veress, a naturopathic doctor from True North Health Center, to explore the fascinating world of medically-supervised water fasting and its profound effects on gut health. Dr. Veress shares her 11-year journey witnessing incredible health transformations and breaks down the science behind fasting's impact on the microbiome. Guest Bio Dr. Csilla Veress is a licensed naturopathic doctor practicing at True North Health Center in California. After leaving a successful career in advertising, she discovered her passion for natural healing and has spent over a decade helping patients reverse chronic diseases through fasting and whole food plant-based nutrition. What We Cover Dr. Veress's journey from advertising executive to naturopathic doctor Why True North's approach to fasting is unique (pure water, total rest, no supplements) The surprising connection between fasting and gut microbiome diversity What happens in your body during a 3-40 day water fast Why most people fail at fasting at home vs. in a supervised setting The role of stress as the #1 obstacle to health Practical first steps for someone wanting to improve their health Key Insights 💡 The Community Effect: Fasting is exponentially easier in a supportive environment with others doing the same thing 💡 Microbiome Magic: We have 370 trillion microbes vs. 37 trillion human cells - we're more ecosystem than human 💡 The Stress Factor: 85-90% of patients cite stress as their biggest obstacle when trying to maintain healthy habits at home 💡 Autophagy Timing: Significant cellular cleanup begins around hour 17 of fasting 💡 Foundation Philosophy: You can't optimize one pillar of health while ignoring others - holistic approach required Memorable Quotes "I see miracles every day... people coming in with information from their medical team saying you can't heal this, you can't reverse that, and we see people doing the impossible." - Dr. Veress "You can't connect the dots looking forward, only looking backwards." - Steve Jobs (referenced by Maxime) "People don't know how bad they feel until they feel good." - Common patient feedback Actionable Takeaways Start with one question: "What is your biggest obstacle to your health?" Build your stack of wins: Begin with tiny changes (one extra glass of water daily) Address the stress piece: Identify and tackle stress sources before focusing solely on diet Consider the environment: Change your surroundings to change your habits more effectively Resources Mentioned True North Health Center: healthpromoting.com Dr. Csilla Veress: DrCsillaVeress.com NHA (Natural Hygiene Association) Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine Bastyr University (naturopathic medical school) Connect with Dr. Veress Website: DrCsillaVeress.com True North Health Center for consultations and programs Connect with Maxime Fit Vegan Coaching [Include host's social media/website] Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a review to help others discover these conversations about optimal health and longevity.

Plant-Based Fitness & Strength Training with Robert Cheeke Watch it on YoutTube HERE Read the Blog HERE Episode Overview Join Maxime Sigouin, founder of Fit Vegan Coaching, as he interviews plant-based fitness pioneer Robert Cheeke about resistance training, longevity, and building muscle on a plant-based diet. With 30 years of plant-based living and decades of strength training experience, Robert shares invaluable insights on training evolution, injury prevention, and the mindset shifts needed for sustainable fitness. Key Topics Covered Training Evolution & Mindset (00:01:50 - 00:15:00) How training approaches change from your 20s to 40s and beyond Shifting from performance-focused to longevity-focused training The importance of acceptance and removing comparison pressure Finding joy in movement vs. training as a burden The Power of Consistent Movement (00:15:00 - 00:20:00) Choosing movement first: always taking stairs, walking meetings Non-exercise activity benefits for mental clarity and creativity Making conscious choices to incorporate movement throughout the day Strength Training Benefits (00:24:00 - 00:35:00) Building skeletal muscle and bone density Preventing sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss) Enhancing mood and building character Creating an efficient fat-burning metabolism Functional benefits for all sports and activities Debunking Fitness Myths (00:29:00 - 00:45:00) Why fear of "getting too bulky" is unrealistic The illusion component of looking fit (body fat % matters more than size) Cardio vs. strength training for fat loss Why you can't outwork a bad diet Workout Structure & Injury Prevention (00:45:00 - 01:10:00) Warm-up: Why cold muscles are injury-prone Dynamic vs. static stretching RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) under 5 Synovial fluid and joint lubrication Main Workout: Progressive loading strategies Form over ego lifting Self-awareness and accepting being a beginner Common injury patterns and prevention Cool-down: Reducing DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) Maintaining range of motion The connection between stretching and posture Keys to Long-term Success (01:10:00 - 01:15:00) Creating structure and systems Building identity through consistent actions Connecting today's actions to future outcomes Finding motivation through results, not just willpower Notable Quotes "Consistency is possibly the most important word in the world after love" "The fear of getting too muscular is like the fear of accidentally becoming a billionaire" "You can't fail if you don't quit" Action Items for Listeners Start with 3x/week, 30-minute strength training sessions Always warm up properly - never rush this phase Focus on form over weight lifted Include 5 minutes of post-workout stretching Track workouts to create accountability Remove comparison to others - train for your own goals Resources Mentioned Maxime Sigouin's YouTube channel - 100+ exercise form videos Books by Robert Cheeke: "The Plant-Based Athlete" "The Impactful Vegan" Fit Vegan Coaching program Key Takeaways Strength training is essential for longevity, bone density, and quality of life at any age. Success comes from consistency, proper form, and training for your own goals rather than comparing yourself to others. The journey from performance-focused to longevity-focused training requires mindset shifts but ultimately leads to more sustainable, enjoyable fitness practices.

Chuck Carroll, known as the “Weight Loss Champion,” lost over 270 pounds and now hosts The Exam Room, a widely respected podcast focused on nutrition and plant-based living. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Chuck joins guest host Maxime Sigouin to talk about a part of health that even he once overlooked: stress. Despite maintaining a whole food, plant-based lifestyle, Chuck shares how chronic stress led to serious health consequences that diet alone couldn’t prevent. They unpack: 👉 The hidden dangers of overworking and emotional escapism 👉 Why boundaries and rest are non-negotiable for long-term health 👉 Chuck’s personal experience with burnout, gut issues, and neurological symptoms 👉 What happens when passion turns into self-neglect—and how you can begin to heal This conversation is a powerful reminder that true health goes beyond what’s on your plate—and that healing starts with listening to your body, setting boundaries, and reconnecting with what restores you. Read More: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/episode-126-chuck-carroll/ Follow Chuck on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckcarrollwlc Follow and listen to the Exam Room Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-exam-room-by-the-physicians-committee/id1312957138 Follow Maxime on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/fitvegan Learn more about Fit Vegan Coaching: https://fitvegancoaching.com/

Title: The Cost of Ignoring Stress and How You Can Heal: Why Diet Alone Isn’t Enough Guest: Chuck Carroll, Host of The Exam Room Guest Host: Maxime Sigouin, Founder & CEO of Fit Vegan Coaching Chuck Carroll, known as the “Weight Loss Champion,” lost over 270 pounds and now hosts The Exam Room, a widely respected podcast focused on nutrition and plant-based living. In this honest and eye-opening episode, Chuck joins guest host Maxime Sigouin to talk about a part of health that even he once overlooked: stress. Despite maintaining a whole food, plant-based lifestyle, Chuck shares how chronic stress led to serious health consequences that diet alone couldn’t prevent. They unpack: The hidden dangers of overworking and emotional escapism Why boundaries and rest are non-negotiable for long-term health Chuck’s personal experience with burnout, gut issues, and neurological symptoms What happens when passion turns into self-neglect—and how you can begin to heal This conversation is a powerful reminder that true health goes beyond what’s on your plate—and that healing starts with listening to your body, setting boundaries, and reconnecting with what restores you. Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lTACU3vXHLc Read more: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/episode-126-chuck-carroll/    

🎙 Health Science Podcast Announcement – A Message from Dr. Frank Sabatino Dr. Frank Sabatino, Director of Health Education for the National Health Association and host of the Health Science Podcast, shares a heartfelt update with listeners. Over the past two years, the podcast has featured inspiring and insightful conversations with leading voices in plant-based health, science education, activism, and more. Now, the team is taking a short break to refresh, revamp, and elevate the show in preparation for an exciting relaunch in Summer 2025. Dr. Sabatino thanks the community for their ongoing support and looks forward to returning with renewed energy and enriched content. Stay tuned – the best is yet to come!

Episode Summary In this episode of the Health Science Podcast, host Dr. Frank Sabatino welcomes Stacey Heiny, a certified holistic nutritionist, lifestyle wellness mentor, and founder of The Herban Farmacy. Stacey’s mission is to help women remove the overwhelm from their wellness journey and create clarity around their health so they can thrive and serve others with purpose. Stacey shares her personal health journey, from struggling with chronic illness, ADHD, and anxiety to discovering the healing power of plant-based nutrition and holistic living. She discusses her transition from Pilates instructor to nutrition expert, her passion for empowering women, and how environmental toxins and clean beauty play an essential role in long-term health. Throughout the conversation, Stacey provides valuable insights into breaking free from societal pressures, making intentional health choices, and fostering self-worth through nutrition, movement, and lifestyle changes. Key Topics Discussed Stacey’s Journey to Holistic Health: Overcoming childhood illness, ADHD, and anxiety through lifestyle changes. Pilates as a Gateway to Wellness: How movement sparked her interest in plant-based nutrition. Empowering Women Through Wellness: Addressing self-worth, confidence, and the challenges women face in prioritizing their health. The Importance of Nutrition in Mental and Physical Health: How adopting a whole food, plant-based diet transformed her energy, clarity, and overall well-being. Environmental Toxins and Clean Beauty: The hidden dangers of everyday beauty and household products, and how to transition to safer alternatives. The Role of Herbs in Health: Stacey’s passion for plant medicine and how she integrates herbs into her lifestyle. S.O.S-Free Eating: Why eliminating salt, oil, and sugar can be a game-changer for health. The Herban Farmacy: Stacey’s brand and online space dedicated to holistic wellness, nutrition, and education. Helping Moms Raise Healthy Children: Strategies for making plant-based living easy and sustainable for families. Her Organic Farm and Future Business Plans: Expanding access to healthy, plant-based food in Indiana and beyond. About Stacey Heiny Stacey Heiny is a certified holistic nutritionist and a licensed Food for Life instructor through the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. She holds a certification in Plant-Based Nutrition from Cornell University’s T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies and has spent over 15 years dedicated to the wellness industry. She is the founder of The Urban Pharmacy, an educational platform that provides evidence-based nutrition resources, clean beauty advocacy, and holistic living strategies. Stacey and her husband own an organic farm in Indiana, where they grow produce for local farmers’ markets and create elderberry products. She is passionate about empowering women to prioritize their health so they can live with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Connect with Stacey Heiny 🌎 Website: www.theherbanpharmacy.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HerbanFarmacy 📷 Instagram: @theherbanpharmacy Resources & Links Learn more about the National Health Association: healthscience.org Explore S.O.S-Free Plant-Based Recipes: HealthScience.org/recipes The Urban Pharmacy Podcast: Stay tuned for the relaunch of Stacey’s podcast featuring plant-based experts, nutritionists, and wellness mentors. Final Thoughts from the Guest Stacey encourages listeners to recognize their worth and prioritize their health to unlock their full potential. She emphasizes that self-care is the foundation for serving others and achieving personal fulfillment. Through small, intentional steps in nutrition, movement, and toxin-free living, anyone can create lasting, positive change. Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Health Science Podcast on your favorite streaming platform!

Episode 123: Philosophy, Ethics, and the Joy of Going Vegan: Matt Halteman's Compassionate Approach to Food Guest: Dr. Matthew Halteman Host: Dr. Frank Sabatino Presented by: National Health Association Episode Summary In this episode of the Health Science Podcast, Dr. Frank Sabatino sits down with Dr. Matthew Halteman, a professor of philosophy at Calvin University and fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. Dr. Halteman is a passionate advocate for animal rights and food justice, serving on the advisory boards of organizations such as the Better Food Foundation and CreatureKind. He is also the author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan—a book that explores the ethical, philosophical, and joyful aspects of a plant-based lifestyle. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Halteman shares his journey into philosophy and animal advocacy, discusses the intersection of ethics and food choices, and offers insight into the transformative power of veganism—not just for personal health, but for the well-being of animals, the environment, and society. The discussion also explores the deeper philosophical and hermeneutic perspectives that shape our food systems and worldviews. Key Topics Discussed Dr. Halteman’s background in philosophy and his journey into animal advocacy The role of philosophy in helping people examine their food choices The ethical and existential dimensions of veganism How our personal, emotional, and social attachments shape our relationship with food The mechanistic worldview and its impact on our treatment of animals and nature The concept of Shalom and its relevance to food justice and compassionate eating How to approach veganism as a joyful, evolving journey rather than an all-or-nothing mindset Addressing cognitive dissonance and embracing an ethical, holistic lifestyle The importance of joy, flourishing, and connection in the vegan movement About Matthew Halteman Dr. Matthew Halteman is a professor of philosophy at Calvin University and a fellow at the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. His work focuses on applied ethics, particularly animal and food ethics. He has authored multiple books, including Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan, Compassionate Eating as Care of Creation, and Philosophy Comes to Dinner (co-edited with Andrew Chignell and Terence Cuneo). Beyond academia, he has co-founded and convened events such as the Animals and the Kingdom of God Lecture Series and the Wake Up Weekend Festival, both of which promote awareness and education on ethical eating and animal advocacy. Connect with Matthew Halteman 🌎 Website: www.hungrybeautifulanimals.com 📚 Get the book: Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan (available at your favorite bookseller) 🔗 LinkedIn: Matthew Halteman 📘 Facebook: Matthew C. Halteman 📷 Instagram: @hungrybeautifulanimals Resources & Links Learn more about the National Health Association: healthscience.org Check out Plant-Exclusive Cruises for a health-centered vacation experience Subscribe and leave a review for the Health Science Podcast to support evidence-based discussions on plant-based nutrition, health, and animal advocacy Final Thoughts from the Guest Dr. Halteman encourages listeners to explore veganism as a joyful, life-enriching journey rather than a rigid rule-based commitment. By embracing compassionate eating, individuals can align their personal choices with values of kindness, health, and sustainability while enhancing their overall well-being. Enjoyed the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Health Science Podcast on your favorite streaming platform!  Read more: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/123-Matthew-Halteman/

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Health Science Podcast, brought to you by the National Health Association, Dr. Frank Sabatino sits down with Dr. Meagan L. Grega, a board-certified physician in Family and Lifestyle Medicine and the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Kellyn Foundation. Together, they discuss the power of community-driven health initiatives, the importance of making the healthy choice the easy choice, and how the Kellyn Foundation is working to transform neighborhoods with lifestyle medicine programs. Dr. Grega shares insights on the evolution of her career, from her early passion for service to her realization that true healing comes from prevention and community support. She explains how the Kellyn Foundation integrates school-based education, gardening programs, mobile markets, and hands-on cooking classes to create sustainable change in the Lehigh Valley. If you’re looking to learn how lifestyle medicine can be a powerful force for improving health outcomes, this episode is a must-listen! About Our Guest: Meagan L. Grega, MD, FACLM, DipABLM, DipABFM Dr. Meagan L. Grega is a leader in Lifestyle Medicine and the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Kellyn Foundation (www.kellyn.org), a non-profit dedicated to making the healthy choice the easy choice through community-based health initiatives. The foundation’s “Healthy Neighborhood Immersion Strategy” integrates school-based wellness education, hands-on cooking classes, and a mobile market providing access to fresh, nutrient-dense food. Dr. Grega graduated summa cum laude from Bucknell University with a B.S. in Biochemistry/Cell Biology and earned her MD from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. She served as a medical officer in the United States Navy and currently manages the Llantrisant Retreat and Wellness Center (www.llantrisantretreat.com). She is actively involved in medical education, serving as faculty for St. Luke’s University Health Network and Temple University’s Lewis Katz School of Medicine, and is the current Conference Chair for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine Annual Meeting. She also serves on the governing boards of both the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. Key Topics Discussed in This Episode: Dr. Grega’s journey from aspiring shaman to board-certified physician How lifestyle medicine addresses the root causes of disease The role of social nudges and choice architecture in shaping healthy behaviors The Kellyn Foundation’s programs, including school-based education, gardening initiatives, and the Eat Real Food Mobile Market Challenges in implementing lifestyle medicine in schools and how to overcome them The importance of medically tailored meals and expanding access to nutrition-focused healthcare How future physicians are being trained in lifestyle medicine Resources & Links: Kellyn Foundation: www.kellyn.org Llantrisant Retreat and Wellness Center: www.llantrisantretreat.com Connect with Us: Subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Read more at: https://www.healthscience.org/podcast/episode-122-meagan-grega/