A fundamental component of Lifestyle Medicine is choosing a predominantly whole, plant-based diet rich in fiber and nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, fruits, beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

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

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

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

As a general guideline, for individuals already dealing with a chronic condition, the closer they shift to a dietary pattern rich in whole plant foods, the more health improvements they are likely to experience.

"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 a whole food, plant-based (WFPB) diet the same as vegan?

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

While a vegan diet may consist of whole, plant-based foods, it’s important to note that many unhealthy, highly processed foods fit the definition of "vegan."

Additionally, you can follow a dietary pattern centered on whole plant foods without being vegan. The key focus is on the overall quality of the dietary pattern, not rigid labels.

Regular and consistent physical activity is key to lifelong health. Activities that elevate your heart rate, as well as resistance/strength exercises, balance training, and flexibility exercises, are all essential components of the optimal health equation.

Poor-quality or insufficient sleep is a major contributor to many chronic health conditions. Identifying and improving dietary habits, environmental factors, and coping behaviors can significantly enhance sleep health..

Poor stress management can contribute to anxiety, depression, obesity, immune dysfunction, and more. By recognizing negative stress responses and identifying effective coping mechanisms and reduction techniques, individuals can improve their overall wellbeing.

The well-documented dangers of addictive substances increase the risk of many cancers and heart disease. Positive health behaviors include quitting tobacco use and quitting or limiting alcohol consumption.

Social connectedness is crucial for emotional resilience. Research shows that isolation is linked to higher mortality rates.