The power of lifestyle medicine: Your pathway to better health
- Rebecca Stonor, CEO
- 14 Jul 2025
At Doctors For Nutrition, we believe that health is not just about treating symptoms—it’s about empowering you to prevent, manage, and even reverse disease by addressing the root causes. Lifestyle medicine is a practical, evidence-based approach that puts you in control of your health journey, and at its heart lies the transformative potential of whole food plant-based (WFPB) nutrition.
What is lifestyle medicine?
Lifestyle medicine is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on modifying daily habits—like nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and social connections—to prevent and manage chronic diseases. Rather than just masking symptoms, lifestyle medicine targets the underlying causes of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, helping you achieve true, lasting health.
Lifestyle medicine practitioners focus on evidence-based lifestyle interventions, often working in conjunction with conventional treatments or medications when needed—it’s a complementary, not alternative, approach.
The field is built on six key pillars that work together to support overall wellbeing, with WFPB nutrition being the cornerstone that brings these pillars together.
Incorporating some simple lifestyle changes into your daily life can be both easy and rewarding.
The magic of whole food plant-based nutrition
A WFPB diet is a powerful tool for preventing, managing, and reversing disease. This way of eating is rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, and excludes animal products and heavily processed foods. People who switch to a WFPB diet often report more energy, better mood, clearer skin, and improved overall wellbeing—even within a short time.
Here’s how you can start today
Whole food, plant-based nutrition
Fill your plate with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Start your day with a nourishing bowl of oats topped with berries or start adding beans to your salads for extra fibre and nutrients.
Regular physical activity
Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement most days—this could be a brisk walk, cycling to work or dancing in your living room. Take the stairs instead of the lift or enjoy a family walk after dinner.
Restorative sleep
Prioritise 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a calming bedtime routine, limit screen time before bed, and keep your bedroom cool and dark for better rest.
Stress management
Incorporate stress-relieving practices into your day, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, or spending time in nature. Even taking 10 deep breaths before meals can help lower stress levels.
Positive social connections
Nurture relationships by sharing meals with loved ones, calling a friend, joining a club, or volunteering in your community. Meaningful connections can boost your mood and support long-term mental health.
Avoidance of risky substances
Join the ‘sober curious’ movement by considering going alcohol-free during the week. Choose sparkling water or herbal tea instead of alcohol. Seek support if you need help reducing alcohol, tobacco or other substances.
By weaving these small, positive habits into your routine, you can make meaningful strides toward preventing and even reversing chronic disease—one day at a time
Why prevention matters
Did you know that up to 80% of chronic diseases can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices? Conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and many cancers often develop over years due to factors like poor diet, inactivity, and unmanaged stress. By making small, sustainable changes—like choosing more whole plant foods, moving your body regularly, and managing stress—you can significantly reduce your risk and boost your quality of life.
Your invitation: The Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Symposium, Adelaide 2025
Ready to learn more and connect with a supportive community? We’re excited to invite you to the Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine Symposium in Adelaide on 8 and 9 November 2025! This event is open to everyone—not just health professionals. Whether you’re just starting your health journey or looking to deepen your knowledge, you’ll find inspiration, practical tips, and the latest science on how lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition can transform your life.
You can do this!
Changing habits can feel daunting, but you’re not alone. At Doctors For Nutrition, we’re here to support you every step of the way. By embracing lifestyle medicine—especially whole food plant-based nutrition—you’re investing in a healthier, happier future for yourself and your loved ones. Let’s take the next step together. Join us at the Nutrition & Lifestyle Medicine Symposium 2025 in Adelaide, and discover how small changes can lead to big health rewards. Everyone is welcome!
Are you a healthcare professional interested in treating patients using lifestyle medicine practices?
As the Australasian and Pacific Island representative of the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine, we are proud to offer the certification pathway for physicians and healthcare professionals to gain international recognition as lifestyle medicine practitioners, and become IBLM Diplomates (dipIBLM).
