In this episode, we are joined by registered dietitian and public health nutritionist Ginny Messina, MPH, RD, one of the most respected voices in plant-based nutrition.

We dive into the growing controversy surrounding plant-based meat alternatives and ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Are plant-based burgers and sausages really as unhealthy as some headlines suggest? Does the UPF label tell us everything we need to know about a food's health effects? And how should we think about plant-based meat within the context of an overall healthy dietary pattern?

Ginny is the author and co-author of several influential books, including Vegan for Life, and Even Vegans Die. She has spent decades helping people adopt nutritionally adequate plant-based diets grounded in science In this episode she brings her trademark evidence-based and nuanced perspective to explore:

• What the science actually says about plant-based meat alternatives
• The strengths and limitations of the NOVA classification system
• Whether all ultra-processed foods should be viewed equally
• The role of plant-based meats in supporting dietary transitions
• Nutrient considerations for vegans and vegetarians
• How to separate nutrition science from social media sensationalism

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1641234/full

To connect with Ginny:

Website: The Vegan RD
https://www.theveganrd.com

Substack: Resistance Kitchen
https://theresistancekitchen.substack.com

Books:
https://www.theveganrd.com/mybooks/

Vegan Nutrition Resources:
https://www.theveganrd.com/vegan-nutrition-101/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who may be interested in learning more too. If you'd like to support our work and be part of a growing community of like-minded people working towards creating a healthier and more sustainable future please join the Plant-Based Health Professionals UK following the link below:

https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/membership

You don't have to be a health care professional to join, but by doing so you’re not only supporting our work, you'll be improving your own health; with membership starting from as little as £15 a year, join us now and be part of the change you want to see.

A study published at the end of May provides more evidence that adherence to lifestyle recommendations endorsed by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research reduces the risk of dying from any cause. This week's nugget explains more.

If you'd like to support our work and be part of a growing community of like-minded people working towards creating a healthier and more sustainable future please join the Plant-Based Health Professionals UK following the link below: ⁠

https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/membership⁠ You don't have to be a health care professional to join, but by doing so you’re not only supporting our work, you'll be improving your own health; with membership starting from as little as £15 a year, join us now and be part of the change you want to see.

https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Cancer-factsheet-03.02.25.pdf

https://www.winchester.ac.uk/study/Short-courses/Courses/Lifestyle-medicine-for-cancer-prevention-and-survivorship/

https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cncr.70437

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40361185/

When we think about oral health, most of us think about brushing, flossing, and avoiding cavities. But what if the health of your mouth could influence your overall health and well being?

In this episode, we're joined by Elizabeth Peters, a board certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional, to explore the fascinating connection between oral health and whole-person health.

With more than 30 years working closely with clients as a dental hygienist and earning a graduate degree in public health, Elizabeth has expanded her focus beyond oral health to support overall wellbeing. She now helps individuals make sustainable lifestyle changes through her work as a health and wellness coach and educator.

Elizabeth explains how the mouth is not an isolated part of the body but a gateway to overall health. We discuss how lifestyle factors such as nutrition, stress management, physical activity, and other pillars of lifestyle medicine can influence oral health, inflammation, and risk of disease.

We also dive into emerging research linking oral bacteria to chronic conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, and discuss why oral health professionals are increasingly recognising their role in supporting broader health outcomes.

Whether you're interested in prevention, healthy ageing, nutrition, or simply understanding your body better, this conversation highlights why oral health plays an integral part of the health discussion.

To find out more and contact Elizabeth:⁠https://preventionistas.com/

For Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Conference tickets:

https://nlmc.org.uk/nlmc-2026/nlmc26-live/

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who may be interested in learning more too. If you'd like to support our work and be part of a growing community of like-minded people working towards creating a healthier and more sustainable future please join the Plant-Based Health Professionals UK following the link below:https://plantbasedhealthprofessionals.com/membership

You don't have to be a health care professional to join, but by doing so you’re not only supporting our work, you'll be improving your own health; with membership starting from as little as £15 a year, join us now and be part of the change you want to see.