Plant Based Eating for Health

What does it take to truly transform your life—mind, body, and spirit? On this episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health Podcast, host Kathleen Gage welcomes Lindsey Van Wagner, wellness coach, yoga instructor, and author of Spirit Vigilante. Lindsey’s journey is a testament to the power of raising awareness, shedding old patterns, and living with purpose. This inspiring conversation dives into Lindsey’s nine-year sobriety milestone, the foundation for her transformative work helping others create meaningful change. As the founder of a wellness studio in Maryland, Lindsey blends yoga, nutrition counseling, and community-focused gatherings to guide clients toward greater awareness and alignment with their goals. Lindsey shares key insights from her book Spirit Vigilante, where she explores the importance of letting go of outdated beliefs and taking steps to uncover your authentic self. Her practical approach includes journaling, yoga, meditation, and small daily actions that lead to lasting transformation. A plant-based lifestyle has been central to Lindsey’s journey, connecting food choices to spiritual and physical well-being. Her transition to veganism highlights the ethical and energetic benefits of plant-based living for both personal and global impact. Tune in to this episode for actionable strategies and profound insights into aligning your life with your purpose. Transformation may not always be easy, but as Lindsey reminds us, it’s always worth it. Watch the episode now and start your journey toward a vibrant, purposeful life. Full post at:  www.VeganVisibility.com/139-Lindsey-Van-Wagner [http://www.veganvisibility.com/139-Lindsey-Van-Wagner]

What do a bulldog named Gus, a French dip sandwich, and a philosophy professor have in common? For Matt Halteman, author of Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan, these unexpected moments transformed his worldview and inspired his shift to veganism. In this video, Matt Halteman shares how personal experiences and his background in philosophy led him to embrace a vegan lifestyle rooted in joy, compassion, and ethics. What You’ll Learn in This Video: * How recognizing animals as individuals sparked Matt’s ethical awakening * The pivotal role of critical thinking and pacifist values in his journey * How plant-based eating became a joyful culinary adventure * Why veganism is about more than food, addressing broader issues like sustainability, worker rights, and animal welfare * How Matt reframes veganism as an opportunity for personal growth and systemic change Why This Matters: Matt Halteman’s approach focuses on small, meaningful changes that align daily choices with values of compassion and kindness. His story invites reflection without judgment, offering a fresh perspective for anyone curious about vegan living. Learn More: To dive deeper into Matt Halteman’s philosophy, check out his book Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan. It’s an engaging exploration of how veganism can enhance well-being and inspire positive change. https://veganvisibility.com/138-Matt-Halteman [https://veganvisibility.com/?p=22426&preview=true] #Veganism #PlantBased #MattHalteman #HungryBeautifulAnimals #EthicalLiving #AnimalRights #Sustainability #Compassion #VeganJourney

Kathy Hester, celebrated cookbook author and plant-based cooking expert, brings a fresh perspective to plant-based cooking, blending creativity with practicality to transform everyday meals. On the Plant Based Eating for Health podcast, she captivated listeners with her expertise in using kitchen tools like slow cookers, Instant Pots, and the Ninja Creamy, proving that plant-based cooking can be both simple and exciting. From Vegetarian Beginnings to Vegan Expertise Kathy's journey into plant-based living began in 1983 when she became vegetarian for ethical reasons. At a time when tofu and tempeh were hard to find, Kathy honed her skills in crafting flavorful, wholesome meals at home. Years later, she transitioned to a vegan lifestyle, initially spurred by her cookbook project, which focused on veganizing traditional slow cooker recipes. Simplifying Plant-Based Cooking with Versatile Appliances During the podcast, Kathy addressed common fears about kitchen gadgets, particularly the Instant Pot. She emphasized the safety improvements of modern pressure cookers and shared tips for getting started. Kathy encouraged listeners to use tools like slow cookers, food processors, and blenders to simplify meal preparation, whether they’re creating hearty stews or quick sauces. Full post:  www.veganvisibility.com/137-Kathy-Hester [http://www.veganvisibility.com/137-Kathy-Hester]

Discover how a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet can reverse type 2 diabetes, improve health, and transform lives! In this powerful episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health Podcast, host Kathleen Gage interviews physician assistant Lewis Bertus, who shares his inspiring journey of helping patients—including his own wife—overcome diabetes through nutrition and lifestyle changes. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * The science behind reversing type 2 diabetes with plant-based eating * Why insulin resistance—not sugar—is the root cause of diabetes * Practical tips for adopting a low-fat, whole-food, plant-based diet * How food deserts and accessibility impact diabetes in marginalized communities * The surprising connection between diet and overall health, from inflammation to heart disease Lewis also shares his personal and professional experiences, showing how plant-based nutrition not only improves health but also aligns with compassion for animals and sustainability. Full post at: https://www.veganvisibility.com/136-Lewis-Burtus

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 80% of older adults in the United States have at least one chronic condition, and 50% have two or more. Many of these conditions—such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis—are linked to lifestyle factors, which means they can often be prevented or managed through diet and exercise. Angela Fischetti, a plant-based wellness advocate and fitness expert, is on a mission to help older adults overcome these challenges and live healthier, more vibrant lives. A Journey Rooted in Compassion and Wellness Angela’s journey toward a plant-based lifestyle began in 1987 after reading John Robbins’ Diet for a New America. Inspired by its call to action for health, animals, and the environment, she transitioned to veganism over the course of three years. Her decision was more than a dietary change—it was a complete lifestyle shift that aligned with her passion for empowering others to live well. The Power of Movement at Any Age Angela’s expertise lies in helping older adults build strength, improve mobility, and regain confidence through fitness. Her work focuses on resistance training, yoga, and personalized wellness plans, all designed to meet the unique needs of seniors. For Angela, fitness is more than exercise—it’s a tool for healing and self-discovery. Challenging the Status Quo on Aging Angela believes that many societal norms around aging—like accepting chronic disease as inevitable—need to be challenged. She encourages her clients to take control of their health through informed choices about diet, movement, and self-awareness. More at: www.VeganVisibility.com/135-Angela-Fischetti [http://veganvisibility.com/135-Angela-Fischetti]