My Mission
I want to empower people to make healthy lifestyle choices so they can take control of their health once and for all.
These lifestyle choices include:
- Adopting a nutrient-dense diet
- Learning ways to release stress
- Adding moderate daily activity
- Having love and support in your life
I am dedicated to broadening the understanding and knowledge about all four of these pillars of a healthy lifestyle.
About jerry
Jerry Casados, NTP
Certifications:
Nutrition Therapy Practitioner (NTP) Certification – Nutrition Therapy Institute, Denver, Colorado
Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate Professional – Cornell University and The T. Colin Campbell Foundation
Certified Instructor for Dr. McDougall’s Starch Solution Program
My Health journey
I adopted a plant-based diet and lifestyle in 2007 because of my own health issues with heart disease.
Like millions of other Americans, I found myself forced to take medications for high cholesterol and blood pressure. I decided to look for a dietary/lifestyle solution instead of the traditional approach with medications and medical procedures.
2002 — Diagnosed with Heart Disease, High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure
Medications: Statin drug for cholesterol and three different blood pressure medications.
I was asymptomatic. I thought I was healthy, very physically active, and not eating a lot of meat, mostly fish and chicken.
February 2007 — Decided on a lifestyle approach to health
EBT Heart Scans — showed progression of heart disease from 2002–2007.
The doctor recommended a Nuclear Stress Test in 2007 which showed calcification in the left coronary artery.
The doctors recommended an angiogram, which I declined. (Doctors were not too happy with my decision.)
Instead, I decided to follow a book by Dr. John McDougall, M.D. — The McDougall Program: 12 Days to Dynamic Health (which I had read in 2002).
June 2007 — Attended Dr. McDougall’s 10-day Live-In Program
At the program, I received medical advice and nutrition education for heart disease. I was off medications and lost 4 pounds, with normal cholesterol and blood pressure. Other participants in 10-day program had similar results:
- Average weight loss was 3.1 pounds while eating unrestricted amounts of food
- Average cholesterol reduction was 22 mg/dL.
- An average decrease of 18/11 mmHg in blood pressure in patients with hypertension (140/90 or greater).
- Nearly 90% of patients were able to get off blood pressure and diabetic medications.
The results in 10 days were unbelievable! Truly life changing!
Today — Regained my health
Continuing to reverse my heart disease.
35 pounds lighter
Maintaining a consistent weight (my setpoint).
Cholesterol below normal & BP normal.
Dr. McDougall: My mentor and hero.
Enjoying my new career as a nutritionist after 35+ years as an IT professional in software and database development, now I am helping people develop a healthy lifestyle and seeing the remarkable results they achieve in their overall health and well-being.
It truly is gratifying to see that people can take control of their health.
Our team
Chef Kelley Williamson
Kelley is the founder of The Plant-Based Cooking School and a Certified Food for Life Instructor through the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and author of a plant-based cookbook. She specializes in low-fat, whole food, plant-based cooking through her Plant Based Kitchen.
Kelley has a passion for helping people heal through nutrition. She facilitates cooking classes, offers personal chef services, and shares food information and recipes that help people change their viewpoint on food. She has taught well over 1000 individuals about plant-based nutrition.
Kelley received her Chef Certification in 2010. She is a Certified Food for Life Instructor (PCRM), and has received additional certifications through Forks Over Knives, the Plantrician Project, and Rouxbe Plant-Based Culinary School. Her recipes and programs are available at www.plantbasedkitchen.com
Disclaimer: The materials and content contained in this website are for general health and dietary information only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users of this website should not rely exclusively on the information provided on this website for their own health needs. All specific medical questions should be presented to your own healthcare provider. Before making any changes to your diet and exercise, be sure to consult with your physician. Do not change medications without professional advice.