Dr. Terri Lisagor, Ed.D, M.S., R.D., is an Associate Professor in the Nutrition Division of the Family and Consumer Sciences Department at California State University at Northridge (CSUN). She is a Registered Dietitian who counsels clients in private practice. She has also published papers, contributed to textbooks and books, and taught health and nutrition around the globe.
JH: What is your opinion on the value of a whole food, plant-based diet?
TL: Just like Michael Pollan says in In Defense of Food, “Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.’ Plant-based foods in their whole form, as provided by nature, are the healthiest. But people must also know how to get all of their essential nutrients, so I add in my mantra, “Balance, variety, moderation, and exercise.’ People need to focus on a plant-based diet, consume less packaged and processed foods. While I have been a lacto-ovo vegetarian for over 30 years, I also feel that people can include some meat – in moderation – if that’s important to them. It comes down to education, communication, and personal choices.
JH: You and your husband, a Pediatric Dentist, volunteer your services to children in less affluent countries on a regular basis. What type of a correlation, if any, do you notice between diet patterns and disease incidences, compared to the United States?
TL: There is a huge correlation between diet, education, and disease! Fifteen years ago, when we first started our project in the remote areas of Guatemala, the indigenous people had access to plant-based foods, but would often trade these foods for the canned, processed foods that they could get at the open markets. Lack of proper nutrition was evident in their rate of infection, and was evident clinically – in their skin, bones, hair and teeth. Just as an example, when we first went there, all most all of the children we saw needed immediate dental extractions and antibiotics. The last time we were there (2008), of the 400 children we saw, over 200 children had no new cavities! And we even got to put dental sealants on some of the children’s teeth! From a clinical perspective, they appeared much healthier, as well.
JH: As a sports enthusiast participating in numerous marathons and other races over the years, what benefits and limitations does a plant-based diet provide for you personally?
TL: Benefits are many! Mostly, my GI tract appreciates me. When I first started running, I used to get stomach cramping, so I decided to become a lacto-ovo vegetarian. Lo-and-behold, my problems disappeared. As long as I paid attention to adequate caloric intake and hydration, and being sure that I had adequate essential amino acids (and properly fitting shoes!), I did well. I don’t see any limitations, but perhaps that is because we live in Southern California. I can get any foods I want or need. Lucky us!
JH: You have been counseling clients for many years in different genres of nutrition. If you were to advise people interested in pursuing a plant-based, whole food diet, what are the three most important points you would like for them to know?
1. Go to the nutrition expert; choose one who is well-versed in the attributes and possible pitfalls of plant-based nutrition.
2. Start slowly, do it for you.
3. Read, ask questions, and educate yourself.
This interview was contributed by Julieanna Hever, a registered dietitian and ACE-certified personal trainer.
