Sheri Berger The Plant Strong Dietitian 2023: Plant-Forward, Balanced, & Sustainable Nutrition! I Help People To Improve Their Health With Eating More Plants!

In an era where the popularity of plant-based diets is skyrocketing, Sheri Berger stands out as a compassionate and knowledgeable advocate for those seeking to improve their health through the power of plants. Her expertise, coupled with her unwavering dedication to her clients' well-being, has earned her a reputation as a trusted source of plant-strong nutrition advice. Embarking on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle can be daunting, but with Sheri Berger as your guide, you can embrace the transformative power of plant-based eating and take meaningful steps towards achieving your health goals. Get ready to embark with Delivery Rank on a fulfilling, plant-forward journey that nourishes both your body and the planet, as Sheri helps you navigate the path to improved health through the magic of plants.

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist at The Plant Strong Dietitian, how do you help clients incorporate plant-based nutrition into their lifestyle to support their health and manage diabetes?

I always start by meeting clients where they are. We discuss preferences, dislikes, medical history, personal life, personal goals, etc. From there, we develop a plan that is personalized and realistic to the client.

We also set simple S.M.A.R.T goals. These are goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time bound. Taking small steps helps behavior change become a natural lifestyle.

Can you share a success story of a client at The Plant Strong Dietitian who effectively improved their diabetes management through plant-based nutrition, and how did you support them in their journey?

After receiving a diagnosis of prediabetes and having two parents with type 2 diabetes, Jen began researching diabetes diets on “Dr. Google.” She went on an extremely low carb diet and was still experiencing a rollercoaster of blood glucose readings. That is when she reached out to me for help.   After working together, Jen learned portioned high quality carbs support energy levels, blood sugar balance, and weight management. She also reduced her saturated fat intake. With these changes, Jen improved her insulin resistance, blood sugar numbers, weight, and energy levels.

What types of plant-based foods or meal plans do you recommend to your clients at The Plant Strong Dietitian to help them achieve optimal nutrition while managing diabetes?

My approach is to highlight what to eat instead of what to avoid! I welcome an inclusive plant-based eating style. No foods need to be avoided when the focus is on balance and a mostly whole foods plant-based eating pattern.

How do you support clients at The Plant Strong Dietitian in overcoming any potential nutrient deficiencies that may arise from transitioning to a plant-based diet while managing diabetes?

Many people who are considering a plant-based diet are concerned they will have difficulty meeting protein requirements; however, protein needs can easily be met with a balanced plan.

There are three common deficiencies that can occur when a person moves towards a plant-based eating style, these include: vitamin B12, vitamin D, and omega 3s. Except for a few fortified products such as plant-based milk and nutritional yeast, there are very few plant foods that provide vitamins B12 and D, supplementation is commonly needed. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the forms of omega-3 available in fish that are mostly readily absorbed by the body. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the form of omega-3s that is abundant in plants. ALA needs to be converted to EPA and DHA for absorption and since the conversion rate is low, most plant-based eaters need to supplement with EPA and DHA. Algae oil is a plant-based supplement that provides EPA and DHA. I encourage patients to request bloodwork and if needed discuss supplementation with their physician.

As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist, what advice would you give to someone who is considering transitioning to a plant-based diet to support their overall health and manage diabetes?

My advice is take it slow and try new foods and recipes that sound good and support your health and diabetes management. Going plant-based should feel natural and gradual. The goal is to find recipes that are so good that it doesn’t feel like you are replacing anything, but simply eating the foods you love and feel best with!

If you would like to find out more about Sheri Berger, visit https://sheriberger.com/