What dietary pattern is commonly emphasized in Lifestyle Medicine?

The dietary pattern commonly emphasized in Lifestyle Medicine is a whole-food, plant-based dietary pattern. This approach focuses on the consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, primarily derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

This dietary pattern is supported by a growing body of research indicating numerous health benefits, including lower risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The whole-food, plant-based approach promotes nutrient density, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while avoiding the excesses of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and processed foods.

Incorporating whole foods from plant sources helps enhance overall health, supports weight management, and improves metabolic outcomes. Such a dietary pattern aligns with the principles of Lifestyle Medicine, which focuses on lifestyle interventions—such as diet, physical activity, and stress management—as integral components of healthcare.

Other dietary options like high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets, ketogenic diets, and gluten-free diets may be beneficial for specific conditions or populations, but they do not encompass the broad, health-promoting principles of Lifestyle Medicine as effectively as a whole-food, plant-based diet does.