119: Plant Exclusive Culinary Wisdom with Jason Demchok
Release Date: 04/27/2023
Plant Based Eating for Health
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Over 90% of U.S. children aren’t eating enough vegetables, and the consequences are devastating. I spoke with @MerylFury on the #PlantBasedEatingForHealth podcast, where we dug into the systemic issues behind childhood nutrition, issues that go far beyond the dinner plate. Meryl brings decades of experience as a public health nurse and food justice advocate. We talked about how food deserts, ultra-processed school lunches, and marketing manipulation have normalized illness in kids. We also explored what real solutions look like, from SNAP reform and school policy to backyard gardens and...
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Each year, over 70 billion land animals are slaughtered for food. While the physical health and ethical implications of this are well-documented, what often goes unnoticed are the emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual shifts that occur when someone steps away from that system and embraces a fully vegan lifestyle. Dr. Angela Crawford, clinical psychologist and longtime vegan, appeared on the Plant Based Eating for Health podcast to discuss her groundbreaking book, The Vegan Transformation. This book goes far beyond what’s on your plate. It offers insight into how living vegan...
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What happens when one rescue dog opens your heart—and your eyes—to the truth behind animal agriculture? In this powerful episode of Plant Based Eating for Health, host Kathleen Gage welcomes longtime vegan, children’s book author, and animal advocate Cheryl Moss for an unforgettable conversation about compassion, change, and taking action. Cheryl shares how adopting her beloved dog Ruby inspired a total lifestyle shift—from eating and wearing animals to founding the Better Life for Animals podcast, a show dedicated to the unsung heroes of animal sanctuaries. Topics Covered: ...
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How can vegan entrepreneurs amplify their impact and grow their businesses? Sandra Nomoto joins Kathleen Gage on the Plant-Based Eating for Health Podcast to share her inspiring journey from PR professional to vegan marketing expert. In this episode, Sandra discusses: The evolution of her vegan-focused business. How publishing Vegan Marketing Success Stories skyrocketed her visibility. The role of AI in marketing and maintaining authenticity. Tips for aspiring authors and entrepreneurs looking to make an impact. Sandra’s insights provide actionable takeaways for plant-based entrepreneurs,...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast, I have the distinct pleasure of talking with Jason Demchok, a chef and lifestyle medicine enthusiast who shares his personal journey towards a whole food plant-based diet.
Jason shared how meeting with Dr. Lou, an MD with expertise in environmental toxins and hormones, changed his life by recommending a plant-based diet. This conversation highlights the power of lifestyle medicine and the importance of making conscious food choices for our health.
In particular, the episode focuses on the benefits of fermenting vegetables for improved gut health and overall well-being.
Fermentation is an age-old process that has been used for over 8,000 years to preserve vegetables by selectively breeding probiotics that protect food from bad bacteria. Jason explains that fermenting creates a whole ecosystem of bacteria inside the food, which can lead to improved gut health, digestion, and nutrient absorption.
Fermenting is also an easy and fun process to learn, and Jason encourages listeners to try fermenting at home. He even offers a free lesson to anyone who contacts him after listening to the podcast.
Jason and I discuss the harmful effects of consuming animal products and processed foods, and the importance of incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables in one's diet.
We touch on the addictive nature of cheese, the harm caused by dairy farming, and the role of food manufacturers in creating products that are designed to be addictive. The conversation emphasizes the importance of the microbiome and how plant-based diets can heal the gut.
To start a basic plant-based diet, Jason recommends beginning with greens, organic beans, apples, and cucumbers. He also recommends using whole food dressings such as tahini and balsamic vinegar.
If you're interested in trying your hand at fermenting vegetables, Jason recommends using mason jars with fermentation tops, which are available on Amazon. He emphasizes the importance of cleanliness when fermenting and recommends using organic vegetables for the best results.
This episode of the Plant-Based Eating for Health podcast highlights the power of fermenting vegetables for improved gut health and overall well-being. By adopting a whole food plant-based diet and incorporating fermented vegetables into your meals, you can take control of your health and enjoy the benefits of a healthier gut. So why not give it a try?