322: Embracing Imperfection in Your Plant-Based Journey with Laura Driggers

I AM HUMAN

In this episode of I AM HUMAN, I chat with Physician Assistant Laura Driggers about her unique plant-based journey which was inspired by one of her children. We also talk about embracing imperfection in a plant-based diet. She discusses her work as a PA and how she integrates lifestyle medicine into an underserved population. This is a great episode for other healthcare providers curious about how to apply lifestyle medicine to their practices.

Our conversation explores the practical challenges and victories of raising plant-based children, navigating family and social reactions, and witnessing remarkable patient health transformations. We discuss Laura's personal and professional experiences, shedding light on the unique obstacles faced by predominantly Spanish-speaking populations and the ways cultural heritage can both challenge and support a plant-based lifestyle. With a compassionate and humble approach, Laura exemplifies the incredible potential of lifestyle medicine to transform lives.

Laura Driggers, a 2011 NHSC scholar, chose rural NC for her career post-graduation, working at a Federally Qualified Health Center and local health department. She provides comprehensive care for all kinds of patients - from newborns to complex cases. A mother of three, ages 11, 9, and 6, her children inspired her interest in lifestyle medicine. Wrestling with a "picky eater" led her to adopt a plant-based diet after extensive research and certifications in lifestyle medicine, including Type 2 Diabetes Remission and Plant-based Nutrition from ACLM and eCornell, respectively, solidifying her belief in the health benefits of plant-based eating.

Discussion points:

• (00:00) Laura Driggers intro and background
• (05:35) Laura’s experience with her son’s diet - a “picky eater” who instinctively avoided meat
• (15:30) Career path to becoming a PA
• (17:57) Challenges and barriers in her NC underserved community, Spanish-speaking patients
• (24:31) Using lifestyle medicine in practice, incredible transformations
• (36:50) Communicating the ease and benefits of plant-based cooking
• (40:57) Closing questions, what we wish people knew
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Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional.

The I AM HUMAN podcast explores topics such as plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, personal development, and spirituality to promote health, well-being, longevity, and joy and help you craft your best life yet. Subscribe today, and send your feedback to [e-mail]

Dr. Yami is a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, national board-certified health and wellness coach, author and international speaker. She is a passionate promoter of healthy lifestyles, especially the power of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic disease. She hosts the popular podcast I AM HUMAN (formerly Veggie Doctor Radio) which boasts listeners from 98 countries and more than a million downloads to date. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, has a certificate in plant-based nutrition and is a certified Food for Life Instructor. Dr. Yami owns Nourish Wellness, a pediatric practice in Yakima, Washington where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her book is called “A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy”. You can learn more about Dr. Yami at DoctorYami.com.

Resources:

Test 17 key biomarkers like cholesterol and inflammation from the comfort of your own home without a doctor’s order. Get 20% off at https://siphoxhealth.com/yami. Know your biomarkers and live healthier! Thank you SiPhox Health for sponsoring our podcast.

Book: Vegan for Life: Everything You Need to Know to Be Healthy on a Plant-based Diet by Jack Norris RD - https://amzn.to/46mtO0v

Book: Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families by Dr. Reshma Shah and Brenda Davis, RD - https://amzn.to/4dbDwVD

Laura's email: [e-mail]

Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional.

The I AM HUMAN podcast explores topics such as plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, personal development, and spirituality to promote health, well-being, longevity, and joy and help you craft your best life yet. Subscribe today, and send your feedback to [e-mail]

Dr. Yami is a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, national board-certified health and wellness coach, author and international speaker. She is a passionate promoter of healthy lifestyles, especially the power of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic disease. She hosts the popular podcast I AM HUMAN (formerly Veggie Doctor Radio) which boasts listeners from 98 countries and more than a million downloads to date. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, has a certificate in plant-based nutrition and is a certified Food for Life Instructor. Dr. Yami owns Nourish Wellness, a pediatric practice in Yakima, Washington where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her book is called “A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy”. You can learn more about Dr. Yami at DoctorYami.com.

More From Dr. Yami:

TEDx Talk - http://bit.ly/DOCTORYAMITEDX

A Parent's Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy by Dr. Yami - https://amzn.to/4edSFHx

Questions? Email me: [e-mail]

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Show Poducers: Dr. Yami, Alejandra Parra

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