Cancer Prevention. A diet that’s antioxidant-rich, whole-food-based, and plant-forward, organic when possible, plays a powerful role in cancer prevention. There’s also compelling evidence that plant-based diets, especially those emphasizing whole and raw foods, can help fight cancer. What I find fascinating is that nature often provides the cure close to where the issue arises. In my area, for example, there’s a region with unusually high breast cancer rates due to industrial pollution. Interestingly, dandelion greens — shown to be effective in fighting breast cancer — grow abundantly in that very same region. Nature seems to know what’s needed in order to restore balance.
Inan era dominated by pharmaceutical solutions, there is a rising consciousness about the incredible healing and preventive powers of food. As the age-old saying goes, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” But how does this translate in today’s world? Can we really use nutrition as a potent tool against sickness and disease? How does one curate a diet that supports health, longevity, and wellness? In this series, we are talking to nutritionists, dietitians, medical professionals, holistic health experts, and anyone with authoritative knowledge on the subject. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Theresa Vee.
Theresa Vee is a certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Holistic Health and Wellness Coach, and Experienced Yoga Teacher with over 1000 teaching hours. Specializing in helping highly sensitive people, empaths, and creative world-changers, she empowers individuals to heal depleting cycles and restore vitality through food, movement, and holistic practices. With a deep understanding of the medicinal power of food, Theresa has supported over a million people on their wellness journeys through workshops, speaking engagements, and private sessions.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive into the main focus of our interview, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood backstory?
Igrew up in New York, close to the city, in a family where home-cooked meals were the norm — my mom did most of the cooking, and she was great at it. We generally followed the classic dinner formula: meat, starch, veggies, and a glass of milk, with dessert here and there. But as a highly sensitive empath, I reacted strongly to both the energy of food and the people around me. Meat, in particular, made me feel physically ill, so most evenings, I flat-out refused to eat it. Little did any of us know at the time that I was naturally more aligned with vegetarianism, even though it wasn’t really a mainstream concept at the time.
As a kid, eating wasn’t something I found particularly joyful — it was just something that had to be done every day. But despite my picky eating, I was always surrounded by family who gardened. I loved being part of that process — helping to grow and harvest food was a hands-on connection to the earth that I found both grounding and magical.
Beyond food, I was always drawn to the spiritual side of life. I was that kid in the library reading every book on metaphysical occurrences, holy figures, and religion by the time I hit 5th grade. I remember telling my parents about reincarnation when I was four and explaining the concept of physical regeneration a couple of years later. Oh, my poor parents — they had no idea what to make of it!
But those early insights helped me realize that all paths ultimately lead to the same Truth. Everything is energy, and energy is what connects us all — people, food, and the world around us. There is no separation, only connection. And that understanding has stayed with me throughout my life and my work.
Even as a child, I knew I was meant to help people heal. I didn’t know exactly what that would look like then — I used to simply say I was going to help cure cancer. And now, I’m doing that exact thing in a way I hadn’t even imagined. Healing takes many forms, and I’ve found my own path to helping others rediscover their health and vitality in ways that honor the whole person — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Looking back, I see how all these pieces — the energy I felt around food, my connection to the earth through gardening, and my fascination with the spiritual — came together to form the foundation of the work I do today. I understand now that healing is more than just addressing symptoms; it’s about nourishing the whole person — mind, body, and spirit.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career? We’d love to hear the story.
Honestly, it all started with my own health struggles. I was having issues that Western medicine couldn’t quite explain or resolve, and I found myself turning to an energy healer. She didn’t just work with my energy; she also talked to me about inflammation and how what I was eating might be affecting my body. Shortly after, I visited a naturopath who confirmed this, and that’s when I realized I needed to pay attention to what I was eating. It was the first time I really understood the power of food as medicine.
Not long after that, I began studying Ayurveda, and everything just clicked. I realized the foods I naturally liked were actually perfect for my body type — my dosha. That was such a powerful moment. I swear that I could fully trust my body’s signals and never doubted them again.
I dove deep into Ayurvedic nutrition, and as I made changes, my own health improved. My skin cleared up, and the inflammation in my gut went down. My yoga and energy clients started to notice too, and they began asking me about my approach. Their curiosity inspired me to study even more, and I got educated in holistic nutrition so that I could support people more deeply in their healing journey, no matter which path they were already on.
It has been said that our mistakes can sometimes be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Oh, wow! One of the first changes I made when I started focusing on my health was eating at home more. My partner at the time had perfected this amazing baked ziti, and every week he’d make it with a huge salad. We’d feast, and it was such a treat — until about 20 minutes later when I’d be doubled over with the worst abdominal pain. Not exactly the best way to impress someone after a nice dinner!
This was before gluten intolerance was really on anyone’s radar, and dairy intolerance? That was practically unheard of — how could anyone be intolerant of dairy? I didn’t think much of it at the time but suggested we eat this meal a little less frequently. When we did, I’d load up on salad and eat way less of the ziti. It wasn’t until years later that I finally learned about gluten intolerance and tested for a dairy intolerance, too. When I looked back on those dinners, it was one of those duh moments. But back then, we just didn’t know it was a thing!
The lesson? Listen to your body — always. Even if the information isn’t readily available, your body is wise and will tell you when something’s off.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
#1. Discipline
When I commit to something, I’m all in — whether it’s personal growth, a project, or supporting a client. I give 100%, and then some. Over the years, I’ve seen many people hit the “panic button” when they don’t see immediate results. They jump from one method to another, creating chaos rather than clarity. This happens especially on the healing journey — where bouncing between different approaches can lead to confusion and setbacks.
One particular experience stands out to me: I had a beautiful client who was at the end of his life, and both he and his partner were trying everything all at once out of fear and desperation. I was brought in for Energy Work the day before he passed. Through calming the energy and stilling the chaos, I helped bring him to a peaceful emotional state. That moment reinforced the power of stillness and giving things the time they need to work.
In my own life, this approach has been invaluable. I’ve learned to give each change — whether it’s a nutrition adjustment, an elimination diet, or adding in new habits — the space and time to work. An example of this is giving myself a month without any citrus fruits and seeing how the rosacea that I have been dealing with largely disappeared. This discipline has not only allowed me to build lasting habits but also helps me guide my clients into a place of calm observation rather than reactive chaos.
#2. Tenacity
I don’t give up easily, and I’ve learned that there is always a way forward — it’s just a matter of finding it. Working with clients, I see every challenge as a puzzle, as well as the bio-individuality of each person. No two journeys are the same. I may come into a session with a clear plan, but often I need to pivot and respond to what truly needs attention.
For example, a client might come in thinking the solution is simple — like “eat this, avoid that” — but then they share an emotional story about a recent loss. I know that grief affects us on a cellular and digestive level, so we pause and work ith that first. The tenacity to stay with the process and find the root of their issue is what leads to lasting change, far beyond just adjusting their diet and lifestyle.
This persistence has taught me that drive isn’t about pushing harder; it’s about staying open, flexible, and patient until the right solution emerges.
#3. Intuition
Listening to my body and intuition has been a game-changer for me, both personally and professionally. I’ve spent years cultivating the ability to tune into my own needs, and this has given me the ability to do the same for my clients. When I work with someone, I don’t just listen to their words — I feel the energy behind them.
One client came to me wanting to lose weight, but I sensed the real issue was deeper. They were stuck in an old chapter of their life, holding onto the past, and it was affecting their health. By gently guiding them through this emotional release and integrating warm, nourishing foods like stews and kitchari, that supported their new vision and feeling of being held, they experienced a major breakthrough. Not only did they lose the weight, but they started a new career, gained confidence, improved their relationship with their partner, and stepped into their power in a way that transformed their entire life.
This self-awareness and intuition allow me to provide holistic care that goes beyond surface-level solutions, helping clients realign with their true needs and heal from the inside out.
I also want to emphasize that none of us operates at our best every day — not even leaders. There are days when I’m not in alignment with my best self, and that’s when I know it’s time to slow down and nurture myself. Recognizing when to pause and restore balance is a vital part of sustaining success over the long term.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
I’m super excited about a couple of projects I’m currently working on because I believe they can truly help people! First, I’m writing a book focused on the female hormone cycle and how to nourish women through each phase — nutritionally, emotionally, and lifestyle-wise. In our fast-paced society, we feel pressured to power through each day without considering the unique strengths and challenges our hormone cycle presents. What I’ve seen, both in my own life and in the lives of many clients, is that when we understand this cycle, we can leverage it to our advantage. It’s all about timing! By scheduling our tasks around our natural rhythms, we can boost productivity, energy levels, and feelings of accomplishment, leading to better overall wellness.
I’ve also begun offering Intuitive Health Sessions, where I dive deep with clients to help them make those meaningful shifts and changes they’ve been longing for. I am AMAZED at the all-encompassing transformations that arise as a result of each session!
There’s a significant need for more comprehensive, holistic information about perimenopause, and I’m hearing from clients that Western medicine often leaves them feeling lost in a guessing game. That’s where I come in! With my specialty certification in nutrition for Hormone Health, I’m eager to have these important conversations.
When it comes to managing perimenopause, it’s not just about nutrition; lifestyle changes play a crucial role as well. Consider these simple yet impactful adjustments:
- Movement: Find what feels good for your body, whether it’s yoga, dancing, or a brisk walk.
- Mindfulness: Incorporate stress-reducing techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
- Quality Sleep: Prioritize restful sleep to support hormonal balance.
These lifestyle shifts can work hand-in-hand with dietary choices to support hormonal balance and overall well-being.
Plus, I’ll be giving more talks, appearing on more podcasts, and collaborating with wellness professionals to ensure people get the information they need. This includes topics like the lymphatic system, understanding your unique makeup, and how nutrition and lifestyle can empower sensitive, empathetic individuals to show up better in their lives. I can’t wait to spread the word!
OK, thank you for all of that. Let’s now shift to the core focus of our interview about cultivating wellness through proper nutrition and diet. To begin, can you tell our readers a bit about why you are an authority on the topic of nutrition?
It all started with my own healing journey. When I was struggling with my health, I discovered that food could be my greatest medicine. That realization changed everything for me, and it’s still my first line of defense today. Think about it — three meals a day become three opportunities to make choices that help you heal! And along the way, I’ve had the honor of helping thousands of others do the same.
I have a deep love for food as nourishment — whether it’s choosing fresh veggies from the local farmers market, growing food in my garden (after all, I come from a family of farmers), or getting creative in the kitchen. But beyond my passion for food, I’ve spent years studying it from various angles. I’m a certified Holistic Health Coach, and I’ve combined that modern training with ancient Ayurvedic wisdom to create a well-rounded, intuitive approach to nutrition.
What I love most about food is that it’s more than just fuel — it’s a way to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Especially for sensitive and empathetic people, food can have a profound impact. They often absorb the energy around them, and while that’s sometimes seen as a challenge, I see it as an opportunity. These small changes to what’s on their plates can have a huge impact on their health and well-being. It’s not just about avoiding overwhelm — it’s about using food as a tool to feel more balanced, energized, and alive.
And for me, food is also art. I love taking beautiful, vibrant produce and turning it into meals that nourish the body and feed the soul. It’s like painting, but with ingredients. Every dish I create is packed with love, healing energy, and the intention to support whoever’s eating it in their own healing journey.
We all know that it’s important to eat more vegetables, eat less sugar, etc. But while we know it intellectually, it’s often difficult to put it into practice and make it a part of our daily habits. In your opinion what are the main blockages that prevent us from taking the information that we all know, and integrating it into our lives?
It’s human nature to want what we think we can’t have, especially with sugar. Breaking those physical and emotional ties can feel overwhelming.
Instead of approaching our food choices from a place of deprivation, I encourage people to shift their perspective to one of surplus. Focusing on all the amazing, nourishing foods we can enjoy helps us feel more empowered. That’s why I love offering grocery lists of seasonal foods; they showcase the variety of what we can have, allowing us to forget about what we’re missing.
This approach is known as “crowding out.” By eating more of the healthy stuff, we naturally leave less room for the things we want to give up.
Another challenge is that many people simply haven’t experienced how delicious healthy food can be. For instance, at a recent dinner party, I brought a dish of roasted carrots glazed with honey, sherry vinegar, and dates, while the host prepared boiled carrots as an afterthought. You can guess which dish was devoured!
It’s also crucial to acknowledge the emotional connections we often have to certain foods. Many people turn to comfort foods during stressful times, which can create a resistance to healthier options. That’s where mindfulness comes in — being present while we eat allows us to savor flavors and notice how different foods make us feel.
Finally, I emphasize that small, incremental changes can lead to lasting habits. It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. That’s too overwhelming. Small changes allow us to have a place to begin, see how we feel based on that one change, course correct, and build from there.
Over time, I’ve learned how to tailor almost any recipe to suit people’s tastes, needs, and restrictions, making healthy food inviting and enjoyable. When we focus on flavorful, wholesome meals, embracing healthier habits becomes much easier!
From your professional perspective, do you believe that nutrition plays a pivotal role in supporting the body’s natural healing processes and overall well-being, particularly in cases of chronic diseases? We’re interested in hearing your insights on the connection between a holistic approach to diet and its benefits for individuals facing health challenges.
Absolutely! Nutrition plays an essential role in supporting the body’s natural healing processes and maintaining overall well-being, especially when it comes to chronic disease. You know, many of the challenges we face today are often made worse by the Standard American Diet (SAD) which is jam-packed with processed, nutrient-poor foods that really don’t do our bodies any favors! Instead, whole foods — those that are unprocessed and consumed in their natural state — offer us the nutrients we need for true vitality. Just think about an apple with its skin on. The fiber in the skin slows the digestion of the sugar from the inside, helping to create a more stable blood sugar. Plus, it is vitamin-rich! These foods really work with our bodies rather than against them, supporting long-term health.
Prevention is key, and there are some effective strategies that I absolutely love to share:
- Burn your own fuel. Many of us are only burning the calories we consume, but here’s the thing: our bodies are designed to burn their own stored fat efficiently! The trick is stabilizing our blood sugar levels. A lot of folks struggle with this because they eat frequently to avoid those energy crashes. But when we stabilize blood sugar, we can tap into our body’s ability to burn that stored fat — a huge factor in maintaining overall health, stable weight, and energy balance.
- Eat seasonally. One of the most overlooked yet powerful principles is to eat seasonally — consuming foods that naturally grow in your area at the right time of year. Nature truly provides us with what we need to balance our bodies through each season! For example, in the peak of summer when we’re losing water through sweat, we have cooling foods like cucumbers and watermelon growing in abundance. And when fall rolls around and the air gets cooler and drier, grounding root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and squash help us stay nourished and balanced. When we eat out-of-season, we’re effectively pushing our bodies out of balance.
For those already facing health challenges, it’s vital to have the right support. Working with a trained health coach who understands your unique constitution and specific struggles is invaluable! A holistic nutrition expert can collaborate with your broader medical and wellness team, giving you a tremendous advantage when it comes to addressing symptoms and managing side effects.
A key area that is often overlooked in Western medicine is the lymphatic system. Eastern traditions like Ayurveda prioritize it from the start. In both chronic disease management and prevention, keeping the lymphatic system flowing is essential to maintaining health. This system helps our bodies clear out toxins and is deeply connected to immune function, allergy response, and inflammation control.
Reducing inflammation is another critical factor. Many chronic conditions are linked to low-level (silent) inflammation caused by latent food intolerances. The thing is, these often go unnoticed until we actively look for them! A simple elimination diet can work wonders — removing foods like gluten or dairy for a set period, then carefully reintroducing them and observing what happens. I’ve had clients who didn’t connect their stuffy nose or joint pain with gluten intolerance until we worked through an elimination protocol. It’s amazing how much our bodies can tell us when we know how to listen, and having a trained nutrition expert to guide the process can truly make all the difference!
Based on your research or experience could you share with us five examples of foods or dietary patterns that have demonstrated remarkable potential in preventing, reducing, or managing specific health conditions? If you can, it would be insightful if you could provide real-life examples of their curative properties.
1 . Dementia Prevention
A Mediterranean-style diet — rich in healthy fats like olive oil, omega-3s from fish, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables — has consistently been shown to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Research indicates that the earlier these nutrients are incorporated into your diet, the better. This is particularly true for women, who are more prone to dementia than men, with onset around menopause. So, prioritizing these foods throughout life can be a game-changer.
2 . Cancer Prevention
A diet that’s antioxidant-rich, whole-food-based, and plant-forward, organic when possible, plays a powerful role in cancer prevention. There’s also compelling evidence that plant-based diets, especially those emphasizing whole and raw foods, can help fight cancer. What I find fascinating is that nature often provides the cure close to where the issue arises. In my area, for example, there’s a region with unusually high breast cancer rates due to industrial pollution. Interestingly, dandelion greens — shown to be effective in fighting breast cancer — grow abundantly in that very same region. Nature seems to know what’s needed in order to restore balance.
3 . Hormone Health & Menopause Symptom Relief
During perimenopause, many women experience an excess of heat in the body, resulting in symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. In these cases, what you eat can make all the difference. Spicy foods, dairy, and alcohol can aggravate these symptoms, sometimes triggering an immediate response. On the flip side, cooling foods — such as cucumbers, melons, or even mint — can help reduce discomfort. The goal is to nourish the body in a way that balances this excess heat.
4 . Calming Anxiety
While raw foods come with many health benefits, especially for reducing inflammation, too much of a good thing can actually exacerbate anxiety. According to Ayurveda, raw foods are “cold” in nature and can increase air and space elements in the body, which are linked to anxiety and restlessness. If you’re feeling anxious, opting for more warming, grounding foods — like soups, stews, or lightly steamed veggies — can be incredibly calming. The same goes for avoiding crunchy foods like chips, which can increase that airy feeling. These small changes can make a huge difference in mental clarity and calmness.
5 . Gut Health & Immunity
A growing body of research shows that gut health is directly linked to overall health — particularly our immune system. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and yogurt provide the gut with beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that help maintain a healthy balance in our digestive tract. This balance is critical for both digestion and immune function. Additionally, foods rich in prebiotics, like garlic, onions, and bananas, help feed those good bacteria, further supporting gut health. Keeping the gut in balance helps reduce inflammation and can even lower the risk of chronic diseases.
In essence, following Michael Pollan’s wise advice — with a slight twist: “Eat real food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” Adding to that: Enjoy healthy fats, and opt for organic when possible. It’s the simplest, most effective rule of thumb to live by for long-term wellness.
Do experts generally agree that merely choosing healthy foods isn’t sufficient, but that understanding how to consume them is key to unlocking their full health benefits? (For example, skins on/off, or cooked/raw, or whole grain/refined grain) Could you provide advice on how to approach this and sidestep common errors or misconceptions?
Yes! Experts agree that while choosing healthy foods is important, understanding how to consume them is the key to unlocking their full potential. It’s not just about selecting the right foods but also about the form they’re consumed in and how they’re combined with other foods. This is where many people go wrong, thinking all healthy choices are equally effective in every context. Let’s talk about the approach to getting the most out of your meals:
Whole foods are usually the best choice. In nature, foods are packaged perfectly for digestion and absorption. Take an apple, for example. Eating it with the skin provides fiber (and a ton of vitamins), which slows the digestion of sugar, keeping blood sugar stable. The same goes for lentils or potatoes — the outer skins offer essential nutrients and fiber that support digestion and overall health. However, there are cases where modifications are needed. For clients with severe digestive issues, for instance, starting with something like white rice (which has had the fiber removed) can be more gentle on the system until their digestion improves.
Even when juicing, I prefer using the whole fruit or vegetable to retain its fiber. While juice might give you a quick shot of vitamins, fiber helps regulate the absorption of sugar, preventing those blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Incorporating all six tastes. In Ayurveda, we focus on balancing the six tastes in meals — sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and astringent — and eating a balanced meal that incorporates all of them can be life-changing. Each taste affects the body differently, and when they’re all present, you’re less likely to feel like something’s missing, which prevents post-meal cravings.
For example, the bitter taste (often lacking in Western diets) can prevent over-reliance on coffee or other stimulants. If you’re missing the sweet taste in your meals, you might find yourself reaching for sugary treats later. By understanding these tastes and incorporating them into your meals (like adding a handful of dandelion greens for bitterness or olives for saltiness), you can create a more satisfying, balanced diet.
Food combining is an area where common misconceptions abound. Certain foods work best when eaten together — like rice and beans, which together form a complete protein. But some combinations can wreak havoc on digestion.
One common mistake I see is mixing fruit with dairy, like in a yogurt parfait. Fruit digests quickly, while dairy takes longer. The result? Fermentation in the gut, leading to gas, bloating, and inflammation. Over time, this can contribute to poor digestion and discomfort. By keeping these tricky combinations in mind, you can sidestep digestive issues and feel better after meals.
Understanding your unique body type and learning how to mitigate imbalances is essential for staying healthy year-round. For instance, some people thrive on spicy foods, while they are detrimental to the health and balance of others who have more fire in their systems. It’s all about knowing your constitution and tailoring your diet accordingly, which makes a huge difference in your overall well-being.
In short, it’s not just what you eat but how you eat it that matters. Knowing how to navigate these nuances will help you maximize your nutrition and avoid common pitfalls.
With the recent prominence of nutrition’s integration into healthcare, what’s your perspective on the collaborative approach between medical professionals, health coaches, and nutrition experts when it comes to delivering holistic patient care? Can you please explain?
I’ve seen the most significant positive impact on a client’s health when their entire care team works together. Each professional — be it a medical doctor, health coach, or body worker — brings unique pieces of the puzzle to the table, and when we collaborate, we can enhance each other’s work. An integrative approach truly is the best approach!
One thing I often notice is that clients sometimes overlook the power they hold in their own healing journey. After all, they are the ones living in their bodies, so their input is invaluable. I’ve had clients who intuitively felt that a recommended course of action wasn’t right for them. Even so, they sometimes went along with it, thinking they weren’t the expert. Unfortunately, this often set them back and delayed their recovery.
Ultimately, YOU know your body better than anyone else. It’s crucial for clients to trust their insights and communicate openly with their care team. This collaboration fosters a holistic approach that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, leading to more effective and personalized care.
When we embrace this “whole-istic” patient care model, we empower individuals to take charge of their health journeys, resulting in more profound and lasting transformations.
It’s been suggested that using ‘food as medicine’ has the potential to reduce healthcare costs by preventing disease severity. However, there’s concern about the affordability of healthier food options. What solutions do you believe could make nutritious choices accessible to everyone, ensuring that food truly becomes a form of medicine for all?
This really excites me. There’s always a way. The idea of “food as medicine” is not just a catchy phrase — it’s a powerful approach that can transform our health and well-being. However, I understand the concerns about the affordability of healthier food options. Luckily, there are some effective solutions we can explore to make nutritious choices more accessible to everyone.
1. Community Gardening: Community gardening has gained immense popularity, and for good reason! It’s a wonderful way to connect people with their food sources while promoting healthier eating habits. By teaching community gardening, especially in food deserts — areas with limited access to fresh produce — we can empower individuals to grow their own food. This not only provides fresh ingredients but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. Imagine neighborhoods coming together to cultivate their own gardens, sharing tips, and celebrating their harvests!
2. Opportunities for Engagement: Everyone can participate in community gardening, with at least three avenues to explore:
- Starting Local Initiatives: Whether it’s creating a community garden or collaborating with local organizations, there are many ways to get involved. Engaging with schools, churches, or community centers can help establish these gardens where people can learn and contribute.
- Workshops and Education: Offering workshops on gardening techniques, nutrition, and cooking can equip individuals with the knowledge they need to grow and prepare healthy food. Education is key here — when people know how to cultivate their own food, they’re more likely to choose nutritious options.
3. Collaborating with Local Farmers: Strengthening partnerships between communities and local farmers can also bridge the gap. Programs that connect farmers with communities can facilitate the direct sale of fresh produce, making it more affordable and accessible. Additionally, initiatives like farmers’ markets that accept food stamps can help low-income families access fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Cultivating Mindset: Here’s where we can emphasize the power of gratitude. Regardless of what you’re eating, you have the power to give thanks for it. If prayer resonates with you, consider taking a moment to pray over your food before eating. Ingesting your meals with an energy of gratitude and appreciation has been shown to aid digestion and enhance nutrient absorption. Even if you’re unable to access the food you desire, expressing gratitude can elevate the vibration of the food you do have, making it as nutritious as possible. For more information, I recommend exploring the work of Dr. Emoto, who has fascinating insights on the impact of our intentions on water and food.
Everyone’s body is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. How does one navigate the vast array of nutritional advice available today to curate a diet tailored to individual needs, ensuring health and longevity?
As much as we don’t want to hear this, the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to nutrition. What might be medicine for one person can be detrimental to another. This is where understanding your unique body makeup becomes essential.
I love the Ayurvedic framework because it emphasizes that we’re all composed of the same five elements — earth, air, fire, water, and space — but in different combinations. Your unique constitution determines how your body responds to various foods and treatments. And, let’s be honest, we all stray from our ideal balance from time to time, which is completely normal!
For instance, those with a dominant fire element may experience more inflammatory responses to certain foods, medical treatments, and emotional triggers. Recognizing this can help you navigate your dietary choices more effectively.
Another crucial aspect is having the right support system. Working with someone trained in nutrition who collaborates with your medical team is invaluable. This person should consider your medical history, psychological well-being, emotional needs, and any cultural or religious dietary practices that are important to you.
And let’s not forget about the power of small, incremental changes! Making one change at a time is often the best approach, unless you’re facing a critical health issue that necessitates a more drastic overhaul. It’s all about tuning into your body as you make these adjustments and observing how they impact your overall well-being.
As our understanding of the intricate link between food and health continues to evolve, we’re curious to know which emerging trends or breakthroughs in nutritional science excite you the most. How do you envision these advancements shaping the future of healthcare?
This isn’t exactly a new concept — it’s more like we’re rediscovering ancient wisdom and reconnecting to our natural selves. Hippocrates said it best: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” His words highlight a core truth that we’ve lost sight of: the power of our food choices in shaping our health. The food we consume can either nourish and heal us or contribute to illness, and that’s at the heart of holistic medicine.
One of the most exciting breakthroughs, in my view, is the increasing recognition of food as preventive medicine. It’s empowering to realize that the small, daily choices we make — like reaching for a pear instead of a bag of chips — can move the needle on our long-term health. These aren’t big, overwhelming shifts, but they add up over time to make a significant difference.
What also excites me is the potential shift away from direct-to-consumer drug marketing. Too often, I see people feeling disempowered, relying solely on medications without understanding the role their diet can play in managing or even preventing their conditions. Pharmaceuticals absolutely have their place, but the decision to take them should come from a conversation with a knowledgeable provider, not from a commercial.
I’ve seen the impact of this disempowerment firsthand, even in my own family. There’s a mindset of, “Why change my diet when I have a prescription?” — but that doesn’t lead to long-term health. For many, the idea of changing their diet feels overwhelming, especially when medical providers, despite their wealth of knowledge, often lack training in nutrition. This is where a qualified holistic nutrition expert (like me!) can make all the difference, helping to bridge that gap and empower people to take control of their health.
Looking ahead, I’m hopeful for a future where people feel more empowered in their healthcare choices, where practitioners are less pressured to “know it all” and can focus on their areas of expertise, and where food and nutrition are at the forefront of wellness and treatment protocols.
How can we better educate the public about the medicinal properties of food, and what role do professionals like you play in this educational journey?
Educating the public about the medicinal properties of food begins with making it accessible and relatable. It’s not just about providing information, but also showing people how simple and enjoyable healthy eating can be.
First, we need to demystify the idea that healthy food is hard to grow or prepare. Many people are unaware of just how easy it is to grow some of their own food — even if it’s just a small herb garden in their kitchen or backyard. Getting involved in the process of growing food helps to build a stronger connection between what we eat and how we feel, and it brings a sense of empowerment.
Next, it’s crucial to let people taste and experience delicious, healthy foods firsthand. People often assume that nutritious food is bland or boring, so by providing opportunities for them to taste flavorful, wholesome meals, we can shift that perception. This can be done through cooking demos, community events, or even social media tutorials where they can try these foods in the comfort of their own homes.
Providing simple, easy-to-follow recipes is another key to education. Many are overwhelmed by the idea of cooking healthy meals because they think it requires obscure ingredients or a lot of time. I’m passionate about sharing recipes that are quick, use minimal ingredients, and don’t require special tools or a significant financial investment. When healthy cooking is approachable, it becomes sustainable.
Finally, it’s not enough to simply tell people what to eat. We need to create spaces — whether through online forums, group programs, or one-on-one coaching — where individuals can experiment with small changes, reflect on how those changes make them feel, and receive guidance as they go. This personal feedback loop is essential because it allows people to recognize, in real-time, how food is impacting their health, energy levels, and well-being. It also encourages a sense of community and shared learning, which can be incredibly motivating.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can connect with me atTheresaVee.com or on Facebook or Insta @TheresaVee. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Thank you for these really excellent insights, and we greatly appreciate the time you spent with this. We wish you continued success and good health!
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
