"We have the freedom to choose what we eat." Mel Weinstein, joins me today to dissect the truth behind ultra-processed foods. His expertise, captured in his written work and podcast, aims to demystify the additives that shape America's fast-food empire and our grocery store shelves. Have you ever wondered what goes into your favorite packaged snacks that make them so irresistible? We examine why these concoctions captivate our taste buds and how they're engineered to do so, often at the cost of ...
Apr 22, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 164
"The food is the medicine and the medicine is the food." Kelley Gilberry, CHN, is a fervent advocate for holistic wellness, an accomplished Health Coach, plant-based nutritionist, a published author, and an inspiring keynote speaker that is dedicated to guiding people towards a better life. The death of his mother and his own diagnosis soon after caused a seismic shift in how he was approaching life. Determined, Kelley set out on a path of research, self discovery and transformation. And it all ...
Apr 15, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 163
Struggling with infertility? What's on your plate may be impacting you more than you know. Today I welcome Judy Simon, RDN and Dr. Angela Thayer, two leading experts in reproductive health. They join us to unravel the link between nutrition and fertility, potentially trimming the wait to welcome a new life. This is the basis for their upcoming book "Getting to Baby: A Food First Fertility Plan" that hits bookshelves, April 9th, 2024. Resources from this Episode: Getting to Baby: A Food-First Fer...
Apr 08, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 162
"I never have to worry about what I’m eating" The guests that join me every week come from all walks of life. They all get to this common place of plant-based eating, but each one arrives for very different reasons. Some are inspired by documentaries, some by the animals, some have no choice and need to change their own health. My guest today, Mandy, started her vegan journey 20 years ago with the revelation of her father's Parkinson's diagnosis, a moment that reshaped her world. Resources from ...
Apr 01, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 161
"I have figured out how to listen to my body and I don’t have to feel lost in this health care society." My guest today is Genny Mack who bravely recounts her battle with lupus. When the only guidance western medicine provided was prescriptions, she knew there was so much more out there. Genny illustrates the remarkable turnaround she experienced by embracing whole foods and mindfulness, a shift that not only soothed her lupus symptoms but also reinvigorated her life. Equipped with this new know...
Mar 25, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 160
I love it when my two favorite things, dietetics and plant-based living intersect. Join me in this conversation with regional account manager from Dietitians On Demand, Sarah Heitzman, who has been a vegetarian for over 20 years! We swapped stories from our plant-based journeys that led us both down our career paths. Sarah, offers us a peek into her world where she reminds us that food is joy, not judgment. Resources from this Episode: Vegan Strong Team Columbus Vegan Restaurants: Portia's Cafe ...
Mar 18, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 159
"Everything you need to thrive you can get on a plant based diet" Join me and my guest plant-based nutritionist and the proud owner of Yumfu, Callum Weir. His vegan journey began out of ethical considerations, but it quickly evolved as he witnessed firsthand the numerous health benefits of a plant-based diet. This revelation sparked a new passion for nutrition and highlighted the connection between our diet and overall well-being. Callum gives us his unique perspective on nutrition as he is from...
Mar 11, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 158
"We all have our own inner doctor" This week I welcome, Sherry Shaban, an extraordinary fitness and life coach who’s battled back from the brink of paralysis to transform not only her body but her entire outlook on life. With over 23 years of experience in the fitness industry, Sherry is a renowned expert in the most challenging weight loss cases and has helped thousands of people worldwide transform their health and fitness using her revolutionary method to rewire the brain, release self-sabota...
Mar 04, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 157
"I realize plant-based thinking should be applied to every niche" Chanelle grappled with eczema and hormonal chaos for many years. When trying to seek medical intervention she was dismissed by doctors and given little hope her ailments would be resolved. Chanelle took this as a sign to dive into her own research. She also sought more holistic approaches that suggested nutrition could be her saving grace. By removing animal products in addition to some other lifestyle changes, Chanelle was able t...
Feb 26, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 156
"Patients and doctors underestimate the power of plants" Uncover the mystery of cholesterol and its powerful influence on your body as Dr. Michael Greger, M.D. the leading expert in plant-based nutrition, offers us his insights on this vital topic. Prepare to have your perceptions shifted as we break down the essential roles of cholesterol, dispel common myths, and dig into the complex relationship between 'bad' LDL and 'good' HDL cholesterol. With Dr. Greger's expertise, we navigate the often-c...
Feb 19, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 155
Are you drawn to a plant-based lifestyle, but can't seem to make the switch because you think there are hurdles standing in your way? Today we lay out the playbook for effortlessly hopping over these 7 common barriers to a plant-based diet: I’m worried I won’t get enough protein I’m worried people will think I’m a freak I feel like I’m gonna do it wrong and I don’t have enough time to research I’m worried I won’t get the nutrition I need Vegan food is gross I’m too broke to go plant-based Its to...
Feb 12, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 154
"You haven't had bad tofu, you've only had tofu prepared badly" When Phoenix first peered behind the curtain of factory farming in middle school, they couldn't unsee the truth. From navigating family dynamics to adapting culinary techniques in a trade school kitchen, their experiences are as varied as they are enlightening. As Phoenix reminisces about their recent three-month sojourn in Italy, they provide tips and cultural cues for vegan travelers exploring the gastronomic landscapes abroad. Jo...
Feb 05, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 153
"I didn’t realize how much of an impact just the meal I’m eating will have on my whole day" Discover the transformative power of plant-based nutrition and holistic mental health practices with our guest, functional nutritionist Jennifer. Jennifer's experience illustrates the deep connection between the foods we eat and our mental health. Her story is an affirmation of the positive changes that come with conscious eating, offering inspiration and practical advice for those considering a similar p...
Jan 29, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 152
" Use your voice. You know your body better than anybody else." Have you ever felt the chill from the cold shoulder of medical professionals? That's the frosty reality Kathy, a seasoned dietitian from Anchorage, Alaska, warms us with on today's episode. Her tale is more than just about surviving the frigid temperatures; it's a harrowing journey through the complexities of health advocacy in the face of being misunderstood by those sworn to help. Resources from this Episode: " An American Sicknes...
Jan 22, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 151
"The first time I heard of Meatless Monday I laughed out loud. I couldn’t even think of a meatless snack." When native Texan, Brett, began sprinkling flax seeds into his meals, little did he know that these tiny grains would sow the seeds for a monumental shift in his life, taking him from a decade of darkness to the forefront of the plant-based revolution. Join me as I engage with the All Y'alls Foods founder in a heart-to-heart on how he turned his health and life around, shedding over 100 pou...
Jan 15, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 150
"The doctor said if you pursue diet to treat this you’ll be dead in a year. I said okay I need to find someone else." George, a 64 year old man who took pride in his health, was blindsided by a devastating cancer diagnosis after a nagging cough. He had grey zone lymphoma, a rare cancer. After doing some research George knew he was not interested in the traditional route. I'm honored to share George's candid discussion about his journey from confusion to clarity, and how a website called "Chris B...
Jan 08, 2024•34 min•Season 1Ep. 149
Embark on a transformative journey with us as we unveil the secrets to a longer, healthier life, inspired by the world's Blue Zones. This episode promises to not only enlighten but also to equip you with the nine fundamental pillars that stand strong in the lives of centenarians thriving in these remarkable regions. From the natural integration of physical activity to finding your community, we're thrilled to guide you through adopting these powerful habits, one step at a time. Katie and I are h...
Jan 01, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 148
Welcome to the Best of 2023 Series! Today's episode features some of our favorite inspirational stories from people just like you and me. However, they have used the power of plants to change their lives for the better. Please enjoy Part 2 of our “Best of 2023” series! Don't forget to enjoy The Best of 2023: Part 1 Featured Guests: Ep 94 Beth Ep 100 John Lewis aka Bad Ass Vegan Ep 110 Robby Graham Ep 112 Mitch Gill Ep 117 Fred Ford Ep 118 Delanie Fischer Ep 127 Kate Galli Ep 129 Catharine Ep 133...
Dec 25, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 147
Welcome to the Best of 2023 Series! We will break this series down into two episodes. This first episode will be featuring some of the plant-based experts that have bestowed their wisdom upon on us. If you are new to Plant Centered and Thriving, this episode will be an amazing place to start to get all of the best nuggets of information from our experts. If you are a long time listener, rediscover the expertise and insight these amazing gurus share with us once again. Please enjoy Part 1 of our ...
Dec 18, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 146
Promise us you won't miss this episode if you're looking for a guilt-free feast, packed with flavor and nutrients, and brought to you straight from nature's bounty. Today Katie and I are painting a picture of a festive table that's as vibrant and inviting as the conversation around it. We've set our sights on 12 delightful dishes (breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert) that are 10 ingredients or less and only 15 minutes of prep time. Whether you're a seasoned plant-based eater or just starting yo...
Dec 11, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 145
Prepare to have your thoughts provoked as I, along with our special guest, Dr. Khan, a practicing cardiologist, unravel the mystery behind heart disease's escalating prevalence post-World War II. Dr. Khan and I take a deep look at the controversial subject of alcohol consumption and its health impacts. He helps to shed light on the overwhelming evidence supporting the health benefits of plant-based foods and the detrimental effects of processed red meat. It's more than a podcast; it's your stepp...
Dec 04, 2023•35 min•Season 1Ep. 144
Join me, Ashley Kitchens, as I chat with Natasha and Ed, who took a leap of faith from traditional life to running a 100% vegan bakery, Ed's BReD, a 100% plant-based organic sourdough bread shop in Whistler, British Columbia. In the tranquil ski town of Whistler, Ed's BReD is making a buzz. Ed takes us behind the scenes, sharing the bakery's humble beginnings, to now being known across social media as the "sourdough doctors". Whether you're an aspiring baker, a vegan enthusiast, or just someone ...
Nov 27, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 143
We know the transition to a plant-based diet can be a rocky road, and the holiday season can feel like an uphill battle. We're here to guide you through the challenges, from handling family reactions to standing up for your choices. We hope to arm you with the confidence to navigate tricky situations and stay true to your food choices during the festive season. Remember, your food choices are just that - yours, and no one else's to question or judge. This episode promises to help you savor the c...
Nov 20, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 142
" I think if we were more in tune with what our bodies need it would make sticking to this way of eating much easier." Prepare for an eye-opening conversation with , LaShonda, as she shares her overnight transition to a plant-based vegan lifestyle. Shocked into action by documentaries highlighting the gruesome reality of our food systems, she embraced a new journey into health and nutrition in 2006. Join us as we navigate the choppy waters of change, explore the tools and strategies that helped ...
Nov 13, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 141
" People are not lacking information. They are lacking the execution of that information." This episode is guided by our distinguished guests, Diana, a certified diabetes care and education specialist, and Jose, a seasoned exercise physiologist. They kickstart our conversation by discussing their groundbreaking digital platform, The Type 2 Diabetes Revolution. Diana and Jose take us through their personal stories, the victories of those who’ve bravely embraced a healthier lifestyle, and the need...
Nov 06, 2023•38 min•Season 1Ep. 140
"I saw several doctors and all of them said the same thing. Go plant-based. Every single one of them said this is the answer." Ready to discover the transformative power of a plant-based lifestyle? Join us as we sit down with Sunny—a philosopher, a health enthusiast, and a survivor. After being blindsided by a pituitary tumor and the debilitating side effects of her medication, Sunny found solace in veganism. She shares her exhilarating journey from diagnosis to recovery, all under the shadow of...
Oct 30, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 139
Imagine uprooting your life, moving halfway across the world, and immersing yourself in a new culture with a different perspective on your lifestyle choices. This is exactly what our guest, Leonore, a certified vegan nutritionist, did when she moved from Germany to Tokyo. Leonore provides a candid insight into the ups and downs of her experience. She also has lots of tips and tricks for any of you world travelers out there who plan on visiting Japan while eating vegan. Resources from this episod...
Oct 23, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 138
"I’m healthier at 40 than I was at 25" My teammate Sally and I recount our victorious journey in the Mr. America Vegan Strong Plant-Built CrossFit competition. Together, we navigated the intense pressure, proving that a plant-based diet can indeed provide the necessary fuel for peak athletic performance. More than just a competition recap, we delve into Sally's awe-inspiring transformation, from struggling with chronic health issues to flourishing with veganism and fitness. If you want to connec...
Oct 16, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 137
"I have to stay accountable to the patients that I'm helping" Ever wonder how small changes in our everyday lives can lead to significant health improvements? Join us as we delve into these life-changing transformations with our guest, Dr. Amanda, a double board certified internal medicine, lifestyle medicine physician, and an avid health coach. She’s a living testament of the power of lifestyle adjustments with her personal journey from vegetarianism to adopting a plant-based diet. Get inspired...
Oct 09, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 136
Welcome to Episode 5 of our limited series highlighting the impressive VeganStrong PlantBuilt Athletic Team (myself included) that is headed to the Mr. America Fitness Competition in October of 2023. Tune in as we journey into Jamal's transformation, from a simple vegetarian bet to a fully committed vegan lifestyle, intertwined with a passion for bodybuilding. His journey started like so many of you listening out there, a little later on in life. But that's why this story is so powerful. He show...
Oct 02, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 135
