#291: Vesanto Melina on her evolution to veganism and how you can be an activist starting today
"So many foods that people are eating, for example, 25% of many people's calories is from soda pop or even more. And that's just like sugar and water, a few other flavorings. […] It's crucial for people to shift towards foods that deliver nutrition, not just sugar." – Vesanto Melina
Vegan legend Vesanto Melina shares her journey to vegetarianism and, subsequently, veganism, her thoughts on the evolution of the vegan diet, and her tips on how we can become activists for plant-based diets.
Some of the topics covered in today’s episode include:
Vesanto Melina's co-authorship with Brenda Davis on nine plant-based nutrition books!
The story behind Vesanto’s name change in 1980
Changes in the vegan diet over the past 30 years
Addressing public misconceptions about the vegan diet
Public’s concerns about the health and sustainability of vegan or plant-based diets
The impact of the standard American and standard Canadian diet on children
Insights into Vesanto’s experience of starting to write books at the age of 51
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Vesanto Melina
More about my honored guest:
Vesanto Melina is an internationally known nutrition consultant and speaker, academic instructor, registered dietitian, and writer. She was the recipient of the prestigious Ryley-Jeffs Memorial Award in 2016, the highest recognition that the Board of Dietitians of Canada can bestow on a member.
Vesanto, with co-author Brenda Davis, RD, has written nine classics on plant-based nutrition. Becoming Vegan: Comprehensive Edition (2014) and Becoming Vegan: Express Edition (2013 are classics that were referred to by the American Library Association as “the go-to books” on plant-based nutrition. Their latest books are Plant Powered Protein (2023) and The Kick Diabetes Cookbook (2018).
Vesanto has taught at the University of British Columbia and at Seattle’s Bastyr University. Her nutrition books have been used as college texts and as the foundation of continuing education courses. She is lead author of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics latest Position Paper on Vegetarian Diets. As a speaker she has given presentations in 10 countries to dietetic organizations, health professionals, and vegetarian societies. She is a regular consultant for the Government of British Columbia and does private consultations. Vesanto in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Nutrispeak.com
The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition, or growth, consult a doctor.
Mentions:
Sign up for The Plantscription for Ad-free listening: plantscription.substack.com/subscribe
PPOD Conference in Raleigh, NC June 2024, mentioned by Dr. Yami: https://preventionofdisease.org/registration-2023 (page will be update with details)
Plant-Powered Protein: Nutrition Essentials and Dietary Guidelines for All Ages by Vesanto Melina RD and Brenda Davis RD
HappyCow.net – Find plant-based restaurants nearby
Kick Diabetes Cookbook by Vesanto Melina RD and Brenda Davis RD
The Blue Zones series on Netflix by Dan Buttner, “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones”
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