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Editor’s note: The following is a submitted opinion piece, as part of ‘October is Plantiful,’ a project of 350 Kingston aimed at educating the public about the environmental benefits of plant-based foods. The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Kingstonist. Employee health and well-being are paramount to every organization. ACE Nutrition empowers employees to reach their peak performance levels, significantly boosting productivity and reducing employer health-care costs. Our approach integrates a unique blend of engaging, on-demand, digital educational content and expert nutrition guidance. The tailored wellness programming places emphasis on emotional and physical health to create a healthier, highly efficient workforce with a focus on scaling to more plant-based nutrition. Beyond pharmaceuticals Generally, risk factors are managed with medication to lower blood pressure, normalize blood sugars, and treat high cholesterol. In some cases, the role of drug intervention is crucial. Ideally, it’s preferable to treat the underlying causes and risk factors of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and stroke. An affordable plant-based diet can help prevent and reverse chronic diseases. Applying the science of food enables us to lower the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, or cancer, and live a longer, healthier life. Clients tell me that they have more energy, and with their doctor’s approval, many have been able to come off blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering medication. Many clients have also reversed prediabetes. Starting with a Meatless Monday, and encouraging individuals to scale, most people embrace more plant-based meals as they themselves feel incredibly better. One female client I was working with returned to my office after two weeks with a remarkable weight loss; when I asked her what she had done differently, she stated that she embraced being a Vegetarian 100 per cent — just like that! Inspiring support There may be initial reluctance to embrace a program that promotes plant-based nutrition. ACE Nutrition prefers to support employees in person as they work through the six-lesson, digital on-demand course. Michelle Deschenes, founder of ACE Nutrition, will provide an initial overview of the course, emphasize the benefits, and answer questions. Halfway through the course, and again at the end of the course, Michelle will return to support employees to embrace the plant-based journey. Employees will start where they are at, and have the ability to scale to more plant-based nutrition at their own rate. Co-workers will encourage each other and share their experiences (and recipes) in a supportive organizational environment. Whether an individual enrolls in the “Plant-Based Nutrition” course independently or as an organization, the learning platform features a “community forum” to share ideas and a weekly Q&A opportunity with a professional to help guide you. Plus, access to every course is for one year, including the supportive “community forum.” Facilitating change Some may encounter challenges. Cooking is one of the biggest barriers; that’s why the virtual course has a cooking demo in each of the six lessons. Because social media trends emphasize and distort our daily protein requirements, there is often confusion about our personal protein needs and what that looks like with plant-based nutrition. Interestingly, some companies in the Ottawa area have prioritized healthy cafeteria options, including a variety of plant-based options daily. It’s driven by a combination of staff requests and organizations facilitating change. Pump up your vitality The health benefits of a plant-based diet are undeniable. Adding plant-based meals to your diet can boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and help prevent cancer. Plant-based foods are rich in fibre which helps maintain good gut health. Fibre lowers cholesterol levels and stabilizes blood sugar levels. Fibre also keeps your bowels regular and lowers the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Emotional health and stress Protecting one’s emotional health is vital. First Responders (police, paramedics, and firefighters), along with social workers and support workers (i.e., Canadian Mental Health Association/Children’s Aid Society), can be vulnerable occupations. We need fifty different nutrients to support optimal mental health. Whole plant-based food provides the nutrients your brain and body need to optimize functionality, energy, concentration and alertness. Gut-brain connection A well-balanced plant-based diet provides the energy your brain needs to function optimally. Essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, found in walnuts and flaxseeds, support brain cell functionality and connectivity. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for emotional and physical health. Transform your microbiome within 24 hours by swapping a typical diet, high in animal protein and processed/packaged food, to a more whole food, plant-based diet. Probiotics and prebiotics support the immune system. You can skip the supplements and meet your needs with real nutrition from real food. Fibre-rich plant foods promote a healthy microbiome, and provide the fibre, vitamins and minerals required to maximize our health. Improved immune system A plant-based diet can boost your immune system by protecting against viruses and microbes, lowering the risk of chronic inflammation, and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in your gut. A healthy gut microbiome is necessary for an optimal immune system. Most plant phytochemicals (naturally occurring substances in plants) have antioxidant ability and protect our cells against oxidative damage, and reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers. Antioxidants help to slow down and prevent atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries), thus lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke. A diet rich in antioxidants may also enhance immunity and lower the risk of cancer. Lower inflammation Inflammation is a natural immune response, but chronic inflammation can lead to a range of health problems, including autoimmune disorders and heart disease. Plant-based foods are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic disease. Pro-inflammatory foods are: processed meats, refined carbohydrates (i.e., chips, prepackaged snacks, cake), saturated and trans fats (animal protein, high-fat dairy products), which can contribute to inflammation in the body and increase the risk of chronic disease. Anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, berries, and spices/herbs can help reduce this risk. Reduce chronic disease Research suggests that people who consume plant-based diets are less likely to have heart disease, which is one of the main causes of mortality globally. Conversely, animal products contribute to raising your blood cholesterol because they contain saturated fat Type 2 diabetes is another condition that benefits from a plant-based diet. A plant-based diet can aid in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight, blood sugar regulation, and insulin resistance. Maintain healthy weight A healthy weight is critical for overall health and well-being. Plant-based nutrition can help us achieve and maintain a healthy weight by increasing satiety, decreasing hunger, and preventing overeating. Plant-based meals tend to be higher in fibre, and even though they may be lower in calories, the fibre content of the meal can keep you feeling fuller longer. When we focus on what we can add to our plate for better health, it essentially crowds out the less desirable options. A tailored health and wellness program, with a focus on scaling to more plant-based nutrition, creates a healthier, more effective workforce. Fostering a collective culture of health benefits both the organization and its employees. For a free quick start guide visit https://plantricianproject.org/. ** It’s important to note that the health effects of a plant-based diet are different for everyone, and it is best to seek professional advice that meets your specific nutritional needs. Michelle Deschenes, CEO ACE Nutrition Kingston
