My Qualifications
For over 25 years, I have worked one-on-one counselling corporate clients on wellness issues, many of whom are increasing their plant food intake.
- Certification as Food for Life Chef by Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
- Certification in Plant-Based Nutrition from Colin Campbell, MD at Cornell University
- Certification in Diet & Lifestyle Intervention Program by the Wellness Forum
- Master of Fitness Certification from Cooper Institute
- Certification in Life Change Program at Hippocrates Health Institute
- Certified Health Coach of America
- B.S. Education, B.A. Biology, B.S. Nursing
Why I decided to go on a plant based diet.
“Margaretha’s nutrition class was informative and educational. I left with a keen appreciation of the changes in my eating habits that will make a big difference not only in my overall health but also the impact even small changes could have on my longevity. And the sample vegetarian dish was delicious!” |
After reading Animal Liberation in 1978, I began changing my diet to avoid animal products. I did not want anything to do with the cruelty and suffering associated with foods made from animals. I knew that the animals and my health were positively affected by this decision, but had no idea of the huge positive effect not eating animal products would have on the entire planet.
I was brought up on a standard American diet (SAD, literally). My mother was Dutch, so this diet included large amounts of cheese and dairy in addition to meat of some kind with every meal—had to have protein! My sister and I were always sick as children. My mother was a nurse, but had no education in alternative diets. At that time, vegetarians were considered strange people who must be undernourished because they weren’t eating meat, although the carpenter who did work in our home did not eat meat and was physically very strong. I did not make any connection between his eating habits and health because it was such an anomaly and we considered it fortunate that he had not suffered from his diet. We totally bought into the marketing propaganda coming from corporations and government agencies exploiting animals. Now, I realize that the strongest and largest mammals in the world—gorillas, giraffes, elephants, whales—are plant eaters. I also realize that we have the physical attributes of herbivores, not true carnivores—it’s been a while since I chased something down and chomped onto raw, bloody meat. If anything, following a standard American diet, we are scavengers. As my diet became more plant-based (reducing and eventually eliminating all animal products--including red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, and dairy), the sinus problems and subsequent bouts of laryngitis I had experienced for years waned and then completely disappeared. I knew this was due to my improved dietary habits because when I occasionally had cheese or drank dairy (for example, convenience store milk-based hot chocolate on a cold day), I would become congested. Problems with my digestive system were totally eliminated unless I was under great stress. When the stress decreased, so did the digestive problems. This was a major improvement in my life. At first, I depended largely on substitutes for animal products such as tofu cream cheese and sour cream, veggie dogs and sausages, and processed frozen vegan products. Then I realized that eating simple veggies, fruits, grains, and legumes made me feel better. I still have the occasional faux product (my delicious spinach dip with processed tofu sour cream, plant-based mayonnaise, and processed soup mix), but I feel the difference physically and mentally afterwards, although not nearly as violently as when I still occasionally consumed animal products. |
We really enjoyed your talk to our group today. Your presentation was full of so much information and helpful tips on eating a plant-based diet. I think each of us took away some useful tips and ideas on how to add plants to our diet. Your passion for your subject shines through in your presentation and in your own personal health choices. -- Arlington community organizer