To help others transition into a plant-based diet, she wrote a book called Reclaim Your Health: 4 Steps to Go Plant-Based, Lose Weight, and Get Back to Healthy.
We recently spoke to her to learn more about her journey to becoming vegan and find out what inspired her to make the change.
Q: What are some of your favorite vegan dishes?
“I have a sweet tooth, so any vegan dessert! I make a great vegan chocolate cake and chocolate chip cookies. And I love pasta. I love smoothies.
A strawberry, spinach, banana smoothie with some almond milk, flaxseed, and Moringa is one of my go-to recipes.”
More on KimberlyElise.com: What’s The Difference Between A Vegan And A Vegetarian ?
Q: What caused you to start your journey into pursuing a plant-based life?
“I originally became vegetarian after meeting my husband over 10 years ago. I pretty quickly noticed the changes in my health, so I’ve stuck with it ever since. Over time, I gradually became more plant-based, eliminating cheese and other dairy since I’ve realized how they negatively affect my health. “
Q: What were the benefits of shifting to a plant-based diet?
“My skin cleared up a lot, I lost weight, and I had more energy after going plant-based. Outside of the health benefits, there are a lot of benefits to the environment from eating less meat and dairy as well. And I think it brings you closer to the Earth. And growing food puts you in touch with where your food comes from, and how it affects your body.”
Q: Do you have any advice for people who are interested in starting a plant-based diet?
“I would say to go all the way in- no meat, no dairy, no seafood, or fish, initially. This way, you can feel what it’s like to be totally submerged. And if for whatever reason, when you backslide, you won’t backslide as much as if you’re only doing it halfway. And the health effects will be more dramatic, which can inspire you to continue.
Also, plant a garden. This will put you in touch with where your food comes from and give you a source for your food, too.”
More on KimberlyElise.com: 6 Herbs To Grow In Your Own Kitchen Garden
Q: Are there any myths that you would like to dispel about going vegan?
- “That it’s expensive. I don’t think I spend any more money feeding my family of four on a plant-based diet than the typical household. Some of the cheapest food in stores are plant-based. I mean, rice and beans are some of the cheapest foods you can buy.
- That you won’t get enough protein. This is 100% not true. There is protein in all foods, not just meat. And most of the population eats far too much protein anyway, which can lead to negative health effects.”
Q: Can you tell us what inspired you to become a doctor and how you got to where you are today?
“I wanted to be a doctor ever since I was a little girl, so I really think it has been a calling for me. When I was a little girl, I was obsessed with all of the true life medical shows on television. I was very interested in science and good at school, so it seemed like a natural fit to me.
I didn’t have any doctors in my family or true life examples of what being a doctor meant. So once I got into the medical field, it took some time for me to figure out where I fit in and how it aligned with who I am as a person.”
Q: What inspired you to write your book? Can you tell us more about it?
“I think there are a lot of myths and barriers keeping individuals from adopting a plant-based diet, even though it has been shown to help prevent and even reverse many chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. The book provides simple steps that anyone who is adopting a plant-based diet can take to help radically improve their health.
The book takes you through my 4 step system to help you make a sustainable diet and lifestyle change. I discuss why mindset is important, how to take inventory of your current diet, and how to shift to a plant-based diet and maintain it. The book is designed to be a simple and quick read to inspire you to take action to radically improve your health!”
Thank you to Dr. Ruby S. Thomas for taking the time to speak about her book and share how she started her plant-based diet.
You can learn more about Dr. Ruby and her work at www.rubythomasmd.com. where she also features 5 Simple Recipes for Vegan Families that you can download and enjoy.
Portrait and book photo courtesy of Dr. Ruby S. Thomas, MD, MPH.
Did you turn to any resources to help you transition into a plant-based diet? Share with us in the comments below!
