In this episode, Tracy and Eden dig into one of the most common questions they get from patients: “Am I getting enough protein?”

They bust myths, explain evidence-based recommendations, and share practical ways to hit your protein goals–without obsessing over every gram. From understanding how needs differ for athletes, older adults, and people recovering from illness, to exploring why plant proteins measure up just as well, this episode is full of science-backed takeaways and real-world tips.

Whether you’re a weekend runner, a strength-training enthusiast, or just trying to eat more plants, this episode helps you find your protein sweet spot.

• Protein 101: The recommended daily range – 0.8–1.5 g/kg of body weight for most adults, up to 2 g/kg for specific needs like healing or strength training.

• Myth Busting: Yes, you can get all 20 essential amino acids from plants–no animal protein required.

• Who Needs More: Athletes, older adults, and people healing from injury or surgery often benefit from higher protein intake.

• Everyday Wins: A cup of black beans (15 g), half a block of tofu (20 g), oats, and even greens like spinach or broccoli all contribute to your total.

• Tools & Tips: Adding plant-based protein powders to smoothies or overnight oats can help close the gap if needed.

• Protein needs vary by activity: Endurance athletes often need more carbs, while strength trainers and older adults benefit from higher protein.

• American College of Lifestyle Medicine

• P2P’s Plant-Based Recipe Generator (available on the podcast website)

• SWAP-MEAT Study – Comparing Plant-Based Meat Alternatives to Their Animal Counterparts

• The Impact of Plant-Based Dietary Patterns on Cancer-Related Outcomes: A Rapid Review and Meta-Analysis – NIH

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In this bonus episode, Tracy and Eden dive into a groundbreaking new study from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition on diet and cancer risk. Drawing from research, they explore how dietary patterns, particularly plant-forward choices, affect the incidence of common and less common cancers.

Together, they unpack the data, highlight strengths of the study, and share their own reflections on what this means for cancer prevention and everyday choices. From the gut microbiome to dairy and hormone-driven cancers, they emphasize one consistent theme: eating more plants is a safe, simple, and powerful step toward lowering cancer risk.

The conversation also shifts from data to daily life, including how to start swapping plant-based meals into your routine, navigating limited restaurant options, and even using tools like our Plant-Powered Recipe Generator to experiment with new recipes.

And before you keep reading, subscribe to our all-new SUBSTACK! You will get extra tidbits of plant-based goodness, recipes, resources, and exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox every week. You also cannot miss our all-new Recipe Reviser, the fastest way to turn your favorite dishes into plant-based perfection. One click, countless delicious possibilities!

• Strengths of the study and how lifestyle factors were controlled

• How diet patterns were categorized (vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, semi-vegetarian)

• Significant reductions in cancer risk among vegans and vegetarians

• Dairy’s association with breast and prostate cancer

• The role of the gut microbiome, fiber, and prebiotics in cancer prevention

• Practical tips for transitioning toward a more plant-forward diet

• Societal shifts: moving celebrations away from meat and dairy-heavy norms

• Study DOI

• Holy Guacamole (Vancouver)

• Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World (cookbook)

• Blue Zones

• Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine

• Plant Powered Physicians Podcast Website (recipe generator)

• Submit your questions here

• Instagram: @doctorplantpodcast

• Try a Meatless Monday or swap in one new plant-based recipe each week

• Use ChatGPT (or your favorite tool) to generate quick 30-minute recipes with new veggies

In this episode, Tracy and Eden zoom out to explore the bigger picture of lifestyle medicine: what it is, how it works, and why it is a game changer in preventing and even reversing chronic disease.

From defining the six pillars (nutrition, movement, sleep, social connection, stress resiliency, and avoiding harmful substances) to unpacking epigenetics and the role of community, the conversation shows how small, evidence-based changes add up to powerful results. Along the way, Tracy and Eden share personal stories, practical examples, and a vision for how society can make the healthy choice the easy choice.

👉 And before you keep reading, subscribe to our all-new Substack. You will get extra tidbits of plant-based goodness, recipes, resources, and exclusive insights delivered straight to your inbox every week.

• The six pillars of lifestyle medicine and how they prevent, treat, and even reverse chronic disease

• What lifestyle medicine is (and what it is not), and why evidence matters more than wellness fads

• Epigenetics explained: how lifestyle can “turn on” or “turn off” disease-promoting genes

• The role of lifestyle medicine in cancer, dementia, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease

• Why “progress, not perfection” is the real path to sustainable health change

• The power of social connection and community in preventing disease and promoting longevity

• How systemic changes, such as plant-based defaults in schools and stadiums, can shift culture toward health

• American College of Lifestyle Medicine

• Balanced High Fiber Meal Guide

• The Blue Zones Solution by Dan Buettner

• “Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine and its Evolution” (ScienceDirect)

• Submit them here or reach out via Instagram