Answering the Question “How Do I Transition to a Whole Food Plant Based Diet?”

If you are considering transitioning to a whole food plant based (WFPB) diet, but don’t know where to begin, the “Getting Started” document is a one page “cheat sheet” that includes basic recommendations. I understand that most people need much more than this document as it only describes some of the foods that should dominate your diet. In essence, it only answers the “what” question.

The Plantastic Life “Recapture Your Health” video series explains the science supporting WFPB dietary patterns as the best hope for humans to avoid chronic diseases. If you are confused by health professionals who are promoting very different diets, this video series should help to convince you that a WFPB diet is your best chance to get back to living a healthy and active life.

If the video series convinces you to give a WFPB diet a try, you’re likely going to ask the question: “How am I going to do this?”.

If you live in or near the Capital District of NY State, you can attend a Plantastic Life Pot Luck Dinner held monthly in Watervliet, NY. You won’t have to bring a dish on your first visit. You can come, taste delicious WFPB dishes, and you can ask attendees how they were able to transition to a WFPB diet. For more details about the pot luck dinners, click here.

If you don’t live near the Capital District of NY State, you might want to consider checking out Howard Jacobson’s course called The Proteinaholic Transition Course.

Proteinaholic is a book that Howard co-wrote with bariatric surgeon Garth Davis MD. It addresses the damaging results of America’s obsession with meat. The book goes on to explain how a WFPB diet is the best solution to prevent and treat the chronic diseases that afflict so many Americans unnecessarily.

The Proteinaholic Transition Course is a comprehensive course that is very reasonably priced. It is apparent that Howard has spent a lot of time and money recording over 100 short, informative videos that allow people to learn at their own pace. The suggested price of $99 seems more than reasonable. But Howard understands that not everyone has $99 available to pay for the course, so rather than allowing the suggested price to keep many people from accessing this important information, he allows the option for people to pay what they can afford. However, Howard insists that he can go no lower than $7 because he believes that the customer/client must have some “skin in the game”. He also encourages those with the ability and inclination to pay more than $99 to do so – as a means to subsidize those who cannot afford to pay full price. You have to admit that this is quite a unique pricing policy.

We here at Plantastic Life receive no proceeds for recommending this course. We just want people who are asking the question “How am I going to do this?”, to know about this amazing resource. If you have already successfully transitioned to a WFPB diet, but have open-minded friends, family members or acquaintances who you haven’t been able to reach, maybe Howard can reach them.

The Proteinaholic Transition Course consists of seven series. The first series helps you to explore your own personal “WHY”. The remaining six address the “HOW” question. You can access the first series for free. I’ve included Howard’s description of each series and additional components of the course. It seems he has all the bases covered. The remainder of this article consists of Howard’s words.

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Series 1: Motivation for the Climb (FREE)

There are always going to be obstacles, setbacks, and stumbles on our journey to a plant powered diet. Old habits, social pressure, environmental triggers, and emotional attachments to foods can test our resolve. And sometimes when we “fall off the wagon” we get too discouraged to get back on.

That’s where motivation comes in. Series 1 includes exercises and techniques for getting clear on our big WHY, helping us amplify it, and innoculating ourselves against all the doubts and arguments that will inevitably come up the better we do.

Series 2: Mapping the Summit and Planning Your Route

Before you embark on the journey, it’s a good idea to figure out where you’re going and how you’ll get there. Series 2 is where you decide precisely what you want your diet to look like after your transition.

From the big picture to the daily details, you’ll create a compelling and achievable vision that will pull you toward it.

Series 3: Preparation: Stocking Your Pantry, Fridge, and Freezer

Just as you wouldn’t climb a mountain without the right gear and enough sustenance, going plant powered requires a prepared kitchen and pantry.

Series 3 is all about the basics. No fancy stuff, just the minimum supplies you’ll need in order to transition to a clean, plant powered life.

Series 4: Preparation: Kitchen Gear

Do you need a $500 juicer and a $3500 set of waterless stainless steel pots and pans? Or can you get by with a $20 chef’s knife and a $30 stock pot?

Series 4 shows you the essential gear for your plant powered kitchen, along with a few fun non-essentials.

Series 5: Cooking Skills and Staple Dishes (Hiking to Base Camp)

Now that we’re clear and committed to our goal, we’ve got the supplies, it’s time to hike to base camp.

Series 5 takes us through the initial steps of implementation. Cooking those first few dishes. Preparing plant powered snacks and desserts. This is where we flex our muscles and gain competence and confidence.

Series 6: Making the Climb (Implementation)

Now it’s time to complete the journey to the summit of plant-based eating.

Series 6 guides to you developing weekly meal plans, daily menus, and shopping routines. We’ll also deal with eating in restaurants, eating at other people’s houses, and dining on the road.

Series 7: Planting a Flag at the Summit (Maintenance)

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the plant powered summit! Now’s the time to plant your flag saying, “This is how I roll from now on.”

Series 7 shares strategies for maintenance, and to prevent backsliding into less healthy ways of eating.

The Course Experience

The course includes videos, PDFs, audio files, homework, and interaction. Every assignment is optional. But as with most things in life, the more you put in, the more you get out.

And keep an eye on live event notifications in your email inbox. We’ll be having regular teleclasses, webinars, and group coaching calls to help you troubleshoot, stay connecting to a community, and keep your momentum going.

I’ll even try to get Dr. Garth to participate every so often (although as you can imagine, he’s crazy-busy running his surgical practice in Houston).

If you have questions about individual lessons, you can always ask them in the comments section at the bottom of each page. That way, others can benefit from your questions – and see they’re not alone!

Finally, the standard disclaimer

The information in this course is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or care. You should discuss this information with your licensed healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical care, diet, or lifestyle.