Maryland

I count myself amongst the lucky ones. In contrast, to most medical school educations, I had the privilege of spending hundreds of hours in nutrition during my doctorate at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and it was there that I first became exposed to the likes of Ornish, Esselstyn, Campbell, Goldhamer and others, to name a few. The underlying tenants that I practice, embrace a philosophy of health and wellness rooted in prevention. To this end, nutrition is central to all health and a Whole Food Plant Based orientation is quite simply, the best way to accomplish this task. 
 
I remember an instance several years ago when my son, Silas, came home from school, recounting a story of one of his 6-year old classmates, who brought not one, but two cans of Mountain Dew in his packed lunch. As I sighed and braced myself for the inevitable, why-can’t-I-have-soda-in-my-lunch question, I pondered how best to answer his concerns. But, he never asked that question. Instead he stated with some level of resignation in his voice, “Well, mom, I guess that’s what we should expect from some kids, after all, his mom isn’t a Naturopathic doctor.”
 
In my mind, that moment crystallizes a couple of principles that seem to characterize the WFPB lifestyle and my own core values. (1) Practice what you preach and be the change you wish to see in the world. (2) Change is often caught rather than taught, often when we least expect it, even though it can seem difficult or even insurmountable.  

Dr. Asha Subramanian is a Board-certified family medicine and lifestyle medicine physician with specific expertise in evidence-based lifestyle change. She received her B.A. and M.A. in psychology with Honors and Distinction from Stanford University. Dr. Subramanian received her combined M.D./Master of Public Health degree from Oregon Health and Science University School of Medicine, and completed her family medicine residency at the University of Pittsburgh St. Margaret Hospital. Dr. Subramanian also completed a fellowship in community health at Georgetown University Medical Center. She is an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University in the Department of Family Medicine. In 2018, Dr. Subramanian obtained a Certificate in Plant Based Nutrition through Cornell University and in 2019, became a Diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. In 2019, she also became a Certified Food for Life instructor. Dr. Subramanian is a recipient of the Washingtonian Top Docs Award. Her professional interests include lifestyle medicine and the use of good nutrition, exercise, sleep and other strategies to optimize health; health behavior change; whole food, plant-based cooking, and community health advocacy. Dr. Subramanian founded Diya Lifestyle and Wellness LLC to better help individuals and families attain their health and wellness goals.

Dr. Stein is a Board Certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional. Dr. Stein received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the State University of New York at Albany and his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. Dr. Stein enjoys speaking with and educating his patients about nutrition, exercise and healthy cooking. Dr. Stein, a New York native, is married and has three children. He enjoys exercising and cooking.

A founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Michael Greger, MD, is a physician, New York Times bestselling author, and internationally recognized speaker on nutrition. He has videos on more than 2,000 health topics freely available at NutritionFacts.org, with new videos and articles uploaded almost every day. Dr. Greger has lectured at the Conference on World Affairs, testified before Congress, and was invited as an expert witness in the defense of Oprah Winfrey in the infamous “meat defamation” trial. He is a graduate of Cornell University School of Agriculture and Tufts University School of Medicine. Three of his recent books— How Not to Die, the How Not to Die Cookbook, and How Not to Diet all became instant New York Times Best Sellers. His latest two books, How to Survive a Pandemic and the How Not to Diet Cookbook, were released in 2020. All proceeds he receives from the sales of his books go to charity.

I have had a mild form of MS for over 15 years. After converting to a WFPB diet our entire family saw health improvements and a resolution of medical condition and symptoms such as weight-loss, lowered cholesterol levels, improved skin quality, and complete resolution of chronic childhood constipation. Transitioning can be challenging, once you and your family develop new habits and favorite go to recipes it becomes routine. Working with someone who understands the mechanics of behavior change can be extremely helpful during the transition period. I would love to help. Give me a call and we can discuss.

Integrative psychiatry and psychotherapy practice dedicated to helping people enhance and sustain long-term mental health. Emphasis on nutrition and all aspects of lifestyle.

Each choice shapes us. Each response teaches us.