Plant Based Eating with Dr Katherine Astill

Tell me more about you- what you do for work, your hobbies and life outside of work? 

Hello Mattea, thank you for inviting me to answer some questions for your blog! It is really nice to talk about health prevention. I hope to share some of what I have learned and help empower others to  improve their health.

To give your readers a little background about me I am a GP based at Partridge GP in Glenelg and am passionate about holistic, patient centred care. I initially started my health education with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, I then completed my medical training at Deakin University in Geelong. On moving home to Adelaide I worked at the Lyell McEwin hospital and then completed my Diploma of Child Health whilst working at the Womens and Childrens Hospital. Outside of work I am a mum of two and love spending time with my family, enjoying the beach and walking tracks. I also love spending time in my garden with my two beautiful spaniels.

How long have you been plant based and why? Where on the plant based spectrum do you sit? Eg do you still include dairy? Eggs? Fish? Or are you vegan? 

I have pursued a whole food plant based diet (WFPBD) for the last 4 years. The evidence for its pro health effects including reduction in  cardiovascular disease and cancer risk was hugely motivating. I am also a big animal lover and so the benefits for animals and the environment make this way of life even more rewarding for me.

Ironically the majority of ‘health’ training is focused on disease management rather than creating and fostering health. Working in general practice is a massive privilege, we have the opportunity to build relationships with patients and support them to achieve their health goals. That is a big part of why I wanted to learn more about whole food plant based diet- for my patients. You can not ignore the health benefits and I needed to make this apart of my life for my family. I felt I could not talk the talk if I did not walk the walk!

A lot of people use the term vegan interchangeably with WFPBD nd that is not the case. WFPBD does advise to avoid animal products but there is a spectrum, as you mention and every step you make towards eating more whole foods and vegetables is positive for your health. I aim to avoid all animal products in my diet but as many of my colleagues in the field say ‘it’s about progress not perfection’.

What research have you read about plant based eating? 

Recently I completed a certificate in plant based nutrition from Cornell University to better refine my skills in supporting my patients to adopt this approach to health. I think that some people are concerned that a WFPBD may not have enough protein or calcium. This is not the case- if you eat a balanced diet full of vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, seeds and nuts there is ample of these nutrients. Unfortunately, for many the western diet includes excessive processed foods and animal products. Reducing these foods and increasing whole plant based foods reduces risk of obesity, heart disease and cancer and the list goes on! I have also found that most people of WFPBD are much leaner, without having to count calories.
In addition, the movement towards switching to plant based foods from animal products decreases greenhouse gasses, reduces water use and reduces pollution in our waterways, streams and oceans. 

What benefits have you experienced since going plant based? Anything you have struggled with since changing?

Working in health means you see the impact of disease on patients and their families daily. I feel that perspective fast tracked my own readiness for change. I really wanted to do the best I could to prevent disease for myself and my family.
However for people living their lives without the effects of disease it can be hard to convince them that changing their diet is import for the future. Food is s big part of our social life and culture and so it is a big step to change the ways we eat. For me, friend and family member's mismatched stages of change was challenging. Having support from those around me certainly fostered my success. Watching documentaries for instance ‘forks over knives’ or ‘Eating you alive; have created real ‘light bulb’ moments for many people and maybe helpful in sparking change.. 

Are there any considerations people need to make when changing to a plant based diet?

 If you would like to start a WFPBD I would encourage you to book an appointment with your GP to get an idea of your baseline health. I think reflecting on change and improvement is very motivating. I recommend patients engage with a dietician fo create a patient centred approach to their diet, that considers your tastes and ensures balanced nutrients. In addition taking a vitamin B12 supplement is an easy and safe way to ensure adequate intake.Get ready to be creative in the kitchen and allow whole foods and spices shine. There are more and more resources available and big health community out there willing you to succeed.