Lifestyle Medicine Can Address up to 80% of Chronic Disease

A fundamental component of Lifestyle medicine is choosing predominantly whole, plant-based foods that are rich in fiber and nutrient dense. These include vegetables, fruit, beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts and seeds.

Question:
Should people eat only whole food, plant foods?

Answer:
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) believes in a predominantly whole food, plant based dietary lifestyle.

In fact, a range of dietary practices have evidence showing healthy benefits and the common thread appears to be the intake of a large proportion of whole, plant foods. 

As a general guideline, for folks who already have a chronic condition, the closer you shift to a dietary pattern strong in whole plant foods, the more health improvements you are likely to see.

"For the treatment, reversal and prevention of lifestyle-related chronic disease, ACLM recommends an eating pattern based predominantly on a variety of minimally processed vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.” (ACLM)

Question:
Is whole food plant based (WFPB) the same thing as vegan?

Answer:
Lifestyle Medicine focuses on creating dietary habits around whole, plant based foods. 

A vegan eating style may consist of whole, plant based foods, however it is important to note that there are many unhealthy, highly processed foods that fit the definition of "vegan".

In fact, you can also have a dietary pattern that is focused on whole plant foods but is not vegan.  There are no rules; rather the emphasis is placed on the overall quality of the dietary pattern.

Regular and consistent physical activity that can be maintained on a daily basis throughout life. Movement that gets your heart rate up, resistance/strength exercises, balance, and flexibility are essential pieces of the optimal health equation.

Lack of, or poor-quality sleep contributes to many chronic health conditions. Identify dietary, environmental and coping behaviors to improve sleep health.

Poor stress management can lead to anxiety, depression, obesity, immune dysfunction and more. Recognizing negative stress responses, identify coping mechanisms and reduction techniques leads to improved wellbeing.

The well-documented dangers of any addictive substance use can increase risk for many cancers and heart disease. Positive behaviors that improve health include cessation of tobacco use and limiting the intake of alcohol.

Social connectedness is essential to emotional resiliency. Studies show that isolation is associated with increased mortality.