Lifestyle medicine is a topic of discussion in many circles, and yet, it wasn’t always that way. In the past, few people could define lifestyle medicine. Today, more and more people are choosing this over simply handing their health over to medication and surgeries.   In a nutshell, lifestyle medicine is all about keeping yourself healthy and avoiding getting sick in the long run. It pays attention to what you eat, how much you move, and how you handle stress. The goal is to steer clear of issues like obesity, diabetes, or heart disease by addressing the root causes, such as unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, or dealing with stress in not-so-healthy ways.   Dr. Malcolm Mackay, a Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine Physician, recently appeared on the #NHAHealthSciencePodcast to share insights into his journey embracing the plant-based lifestyle and lifestyle medicine and seamlessly integrating them into both his personal and professional realms.   Reflecting on his early days in medical school during the 1980s, Dr. Mackay experienced a transformative realization about the power of prevention through plant-based living. Lectures on atherosclerosis and community health planted the seeds of his passion for lifestyle medicine.   Fueled by a desire for longevity and heightened sports performance, Dr. Mackay embraced a whole food, plant-based lifestyle. His journey of understanding unfolded through encounters with influential figures such as Nathan Pritikin and the impactful Forks Over Knives documentary.   Dr. Mackay's approach underscores the critical role of calorie density in effective weight management. Striking a balance with whole, plant-based foods becomes pivotal for sustained health and overall well-being.   Going deep into the details of his immersive lifestyle medicine program, Dr. Mackay shared its evolution from a five-day to a comprehensive seven-day experience. Collaborating with his wife Jenny, and other experts, the program integrates a vegan chef, fitness trainer, and mental health specialist.   A distinguishing feature of Dr. Mackay's program is the emphasis on medical supervision, particularly for high-risk individuals. Consultations and careful adjustments, including insulin reduction for participants with type 2 diabetes, underscore the program's commitment to holistic well-being.   Catch the full conversation with Dr. Malcolm Mackay on the NHA Health Science Podcast: www.HealthScience.org/062-Malcolm-Mackay #LifestyleMedicine #PlantBasedLiving #NHAHealthScience