In our latest episode of the Raw Food Health Empowerment Podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Vesanto Melina, a distinguished Registered Dietitian and author whose work has been pivotal in the plant-based nutrition space. Our conversation with Vesanto was not just a deep dive into raw and high-raw diets but also a treasure trove of insights into optimizing nutrition at any age.
The Ideal Raw Balance
One of the highlights of the episode was Vesanto’s recommendation for a 75% raw diet. While a fully raw diet has its enthusiasts, Vesanto, along with her writing partner Brenda Davis, suggests that a balance that includes some cooked foods, particularly legumes, could be more beneficial in meeting protein and mineral requirements. The discussion on the importance of dietary fiber was particularly enlightening, as we explored the different types of fiber and their roles in maintaining health and preventing chronic diseases.
The Senior Nutrition Blueprint
For seniors, Vesanto shared a blueprint for health that challenges conventional dietary norms. As we age, our nutritional needs change. Vesanto emphasized the need for a higher protein intake and essential nutrients, despite a decrease in caloric needs. The conversation underscored the importance of quality over quantity in our diets, especially as we grow older.
Probiotics: To Pill or Not to Pill
The podcast also touched upon a hot topic in the health community: probiotics. Vesanto shared her expertise on when supplemental probiotics may be beneficial, particularly during transitions in diet or after antibiotic use. However, she also highlighted that a diverse, high-raw diet naturally fosters a healthy gut microbiome, often making additional supplementation unnecessary.
Final Thoughts
Our time with Vesanto Melina was both educational and inspiring. Her passion for plant-based nutrition and her commitment to evidence-based recommendations offer a refreshing perspective in a world brimming with diet fads and misinformation. She also mentioned she is 81 and I was floored! 80 is the new 60 y’all!
For those interested in diving deeper into Vesanto’s work, her books, including “Becoming Raw” and “Plant Powered Protein,” are must-reads. They offer not just a wealth of nutritional knowledge but also practical meal plans and recipes to help you embark on or continue your journey towards optimal health.
You can connect with Vesanto at the following links:
https://nutrispeak.com
https://plant-poweredprotein.com
She offers consultations here: https://nutrispeak.com/consultations
Remember, whether you’re raw, high-raw, vegan, or simply looking to improve your diet, the key is balance, diversity, and listening to your body. Here’s to making informed food choices that nourish not just the body, but also the soul.
Till our next episode, stay raw, full and fabulous!
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