Plant Based Family Health with Dr Tara Cannon
This week, we invited Dr. Tara Cannon to discuss her plant-based experiences in medicine and with her family.
Dr. Tara Cannon is a doctorally prepared nurse with a passion for education and health. She has been plant-based since 2017, simply wanting to have a healthier pregnancy. She has felt more energetic, experienced improved mood, clearer skin, weight loss, decreased bloating, better body odor, and fresher breath. Nonetheless, her daughter was diagnosed with a chronic illness, and her son a developmental delay. She has seen both of them achieve and maintain improved health because of this lifestyle.
Dr. Cannon is so bold as to say this lifestyle can close the healthcare disparity gap that many experience. So, this professional’s goal is to empower and develop individuals through education and health.
What is Your Background in Medicine?
My background was that of a registered nurse. I worked the hospital floor as many do. After a while, I noticed that my patients were being diagnosed with the same things: coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes. After a while, I started getting passionate about diet and people‘s illnesses. I taught nursing for a number of years after that, so it was a natural transition for me to focus on my business of getting people to reverse their illnesses through plant-based eating.
What’s The Life of a Plant-Based Family Like?
Children can be picky eaters. That‘s why I follow the motto: “every time they open their mouth, it has to count.”; Getting the most nourishing and nutrient-dense foods – even if it‘s multi-grain bread for a PB&J – makes a difference in a child‘s development. My kids are bold; they‘ll try whatever mommy is cooking. I‘ve been on a lentil patty spree, and my kids eat rice almost every day – lots of beans and rice. Any time I give them something, it has to count. And if they‘re hungry, they eat. I feed them what they want within a range of healthy choices.
What is the Importance of Empowering Underserved Communities?
The obesity epidemic is one of the biggest challenges I see for children ‘s health right now. It breaks my heart because it doesn‘t have to be that way. It‘s a knowledge deficit, often based on where they‘re located; where you live can determine your health. I work to bring Food for Life classes (a powerful whole food plant-based program developed by PCRM)to underserved communities for that reason. I teach about using canned goods, frozen foods, and general healthy eating on a budget. When members of these communities come into the hospital, they get treated a certain way, because of the way they look, or where they live. I want to give these folks a lifeline to feeling good – sustainably.
What is Your Hope For the Future?
People are changing. In my experience, many people are recognizing the default American diet is not working for them. Many people are finding a more holistic, plant-based diet helps their energy and overall health, as well as specific chronic health conditions.
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