Our favorite resources for health, animals and the environment
Our personal health, healthy animals, and a healthy planet all go hand in hand. Here are links to our favorite resources for these cornerstones of optimal health. We have categorized them into:
Our Health
Optimizing our health means embracing whole-food plant-based nutrition.
American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Advancing evidenced-based Lifestyle Medicine as a value-based specialty that transforms, redefines and sustains health and health care by treating, reversing and preventing noncommunicable, chronic disease.
Dr. Neal Barnard
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, speaker, author, SWFL VegFest participant.
CHIP
Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) – Their mission is to share with our communities a message of health and hope for a better life!
CHIP Fort Myers
Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) – Prevent, Arrest & Reverse Chronic Disease
Dr. Jami Dulaney
Be healthy naturally. Cardiology, Primary Care, and Nutrition – aimed at preventing and reversing disease and optimizing wellness.
Dr. Michael Greger
Plant based Doc with daily informative videos, author, SWFL VegFest (Port Charlotte) participant.
The Food Revolution Network
From Food Deserts to Food Oases: Addressing Access to Healthy Food.
The Healthiest, Anti-Cancer Foods: G-BOMBS
”G-BOMBS” is an acronym that you can use to remember the best anti-cancer, health-promoting foods on the planet. These are the foods that you should eat every day, making up a significant proportion of your diet. They are extremely effective at preventing chronic disease, including cancer and promoting health and longevity.
Lifestyle Medicine Concierge | Dr. Sal
For those interested in having a lifestyle medicine focused primary care physician, Dr. Sal Lacagnina will be practicing from his office in the Vibrant Beat Lifestyle Center. In addition, he will be working at the lifestyle center to perform nutritional counseling and lifestyle guidance.
Dr. John McDougall
Physician and nutrition expert who teaches better health through vegetarian cuisine, John A. McDougall, MD has been studying, writing, and speaking out about the effects of nutrition on disease for over 50 years.
Moving Medicine Forward
What is the healthiest diet? Find out what the latest science is saying about your favorite foods to help you make the healthiest.
Cyd Notter
Cyd Notter is a graduate of the Center for Nutrition Studies, a certified instructor for several dietary courses (including Dr. McDougall’s Starch Solution), a past newspaper columnist, and a Book Excellence Award Winner for her book titled The “Plan A” Diet.
PlantPure Communities
he mission of PlantPure Communities is to build stronger, healthier, and more sustainable communities. This is being accomplished through a wide range of research, policy, and program activities and working with local non-profits, businesses, governments, hospitals and other health-related organizations, faith-based groups, and other community organizations.
Physicians For Responsible Medicine
Printable handouts, recipes, mobile app, free online lifestyle program: 21 Day Kickstart, free, community program: Food for Life.
The Plant Powered Hallway
A private, online community striving to achieve optimum physical & mental health through a Plant-Powered Lifestyle. Community of support and continual encouragement to ask questions and seek answers from nutritionist, plant-based chefs, and physicians.
The Plantrician Project
The Plantrician Project™ Mission: To educate, equip and empower our physicians, healthcare providers and other health influencers with knowledge about the indisputable benefits of whole food plant-based nutrition.
T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies
In a few short weeks arm yourself with the knowledge you need to improve your overall health, learn new skills, or even inspire a career change. Hear what people are saying.
Switch4Good
An evidence-based nonprofit, advocating passionately for a dairy-free world. For too long, society has accepted the distortion and misinformation that Big Dairy feeds us. We are working with this organization to ensure Florida school children have soy milk included as a choice rather than the cow’s milk monopoly that exists today.
Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai
Great Brain Health Starts at Home and in the Community. Together, we can positively affect the most important organ in the body for billions of people with effective tools and methodologies.
Our personalized, comprehensive programs for brain healthy living are programs that people can follow for the rest of their lives.
The Environment
We humans and all animals that inhabit this planet with us need clean water, clean air, and a favorable climate with soil that can grow healthy food.
CROW
Calusa Waterkeeper, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the Caloosahatchee River & Estuary, Lake Okeechobee, Nicodemus Slough, Charlotte Harbor, Estero Bay, the near-shore waters of Lee County, and their watersheds, through education and promotion of responsible use and enjoyment by all people.
The Earthshot Prize
Over the last ten years, the evidence that we face urgent challenges to protect the environment has become indisputable, and it’s clear that the time to act is now. Drawing inspiration from the concept of moonshots, which since the moon landing in 1969 has become shorthand to talk about the most ambitious and ground-breaking goals, Prince William announces the Earthshot Prize: an ambitious set of challenges to inspire a decade of action to repair the planet.
Eight Billion Trees
8 Billion Trees was founded with a simple idea: if people can destroy the Earth, they can also help to rebuild it.
Friends of the Earth
We are part of an international community dedicated to protecting the natural world and the wellbeing of everyone in it. We lead campaigns, provide resources and information, and drive real solutions to the environmental problems facing us all.
The Ocean Cleanup
Every year, millions of tons of plastic enter the oceans primarily from rivers. The plastic afloat across the oceans – legacy plastic – isn’t going away by itself. Therefore, solving ocean plastic pollution requires a combination of stemming the inflow and cleaning up what has already accumulated. The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization, is developing advanced technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic.
Pachamama
Pachamama Alliance is a global community that offers people the chance to learn, connect, engage, travel and cherish life for the purpose of creating a sustainable future that works for all.
The Rights of Nature
GARN is network of organizations and individuals committed to the universal adoption and implementation of legal systems that recognize, respect and enforce “Rights of Nature”.
One Green Planet
One Green Planet is your online guide to making conscious and compassionate choices that help people, animals, and the planet.
Healthy Eating Healthy World
This Site is ALL about Promoting Health. For Ourselves. For Our Planet. For our Future.
Animals
We humans and all animals that inhabit this planet with us need clean water, They’re voiceless but many live in terrible conditions…raised for slaughter. Animals surely deserve to live their lives free from suffering and exploitation. Let’s protect and enjoy all animals.
Anonymous for the Voiceless
Anonymous for the Voiceless (AV) is a not-for-profit animal rights organisation that specialises in using conversation and standard practice footage to educate the public about animal exploitation. Initially founded in Melbourne, Australia, we are now a global community of like-minded people using our voices for justice for our fellow earthlings. With an abolitionist stance against all forms of animal exploitation, we hold demonstrations all around the world to empower the public to support animal rights, live vegan and speak up for animals.
Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife
Dedicated to Protection, Preservation and Education. Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife is a volunteer organization whose purpose is to preserve and enhance the habitats of protected wildlife species and to educate the community about Cape Coral’s wildlife resources.
CROW
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is a teaching hospital and visitor education center dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, research, education and conservation medicine.
Peta – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization in the world, with more than 6.5 million members and supporters.
Farm Sanctuary’s Humane Education Program
Farm Sanctuary is educating young hearts and minds about our modern food system.
In Defense of Animals
n Defense of Animals makes a difference for animals all over the world through our hard-hitting campaigns, direct rescue, and sanctuary care.
Documentaries and the Like
Included here are movies, documentaries, podcasts and Facebook sites.
Cowspiracy
Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret is a groundbreaking feature-length environmental documentary following intrepid filmmaker Kip Andersen as he uncovers the most destructive industry facing the planet today – and investigates why the world’s leading environmental organizations are too afraid to talk about it.
Forks Over Knives
What if one simple change could save you from chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease? Take a deep dive into the plant-based diet documentary that has influenced millions around the world.
How Not to Die with Michael Greger M.D.
From Table to Able: Combating Disabling Diseases with Food Food as Medicine | Michael Greger, M.D. | TEDxSedona
My Octopus Teacher
A filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world.
Nutrition Facts.org – Michael Greger, M.D.
What is the healthiest diet? Find out what the latest science is saying about your favorite foods to help you make the healthiest.
OKJA
A young girl risks everything to prevent a powerful, multinational company from kidnapping her best friend – a fascinating beast named Okja.
PlantPure Nation
PlantPure Nation tells the story of three people on a quest to spread the message of one of the most important health breakthroughs of all time. After nutritional scientist and author Dr. T. Colin Campbell speaks to the Kentucky legislature, his oldest son Nelson works with Kentucky State Representative Tom Riner to propose a pilot program documenting the health benefits of a plant-based diet.
Power Foods for the Brain with Neal Barnard | TEDxBismarck
Dr. Barnard has led numerous research studies investigating the effects of diet on diabetes, body weight, and chronic pain, including a groundbreaking study of dietary interventions in type 2 diabetes, funded by the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Barnard has authored over 70 scientific publications as well as 17 books.
The Cheese Trap
Think you can’t give up cheese? You’re not alone. It is estimated that since 1970, we’ve gone from 8 pounds of cheese per person per year to 23 pounds. That equals about 60,000 calories of cheese every year.
The Game Changers
A UFC fighter learns everything he’d been taught about protein was a lie.
What the Health
What the Health is the groundbreaking follow-up film from the creators of the award winning documentary Cowspiracy. The film follows intrepid filmmaker Kip Andersen as he uncovers the secret to preventing and even reversing chronic diseases – and investigates why the nation’s leading health organizations don’t want us to know about it. With heart disease and cancer the leading causes of death in America, and diabetes at an all-time high, the film reveals possibly the largest health cover-up of our time. With the help of medical doctors, researchers, and consumer advocates, What the Health exposes the collusion and corruption in government and big business that is costing us trillions of healthcare dollars, and keeping us sick.
Vegan Foodies SWFL
This group has been created to post amazing, delicious vegan food, recipes, share vegan events, restaurants that offer vegan options and collaborate on vegan festivals in Southwest Florida.
Kiss the Ground
Kiss the Ground has become a premier online educational hub for regenerative agriculture, offering an online “pathway” for anyone to find resources and their unique way forward in contributing to this expanding global movement.
Making Heart Attack History
Caldwell Esselstyn at TEDxCambridge 2011
Books
For those of you that prefer to learn through reading rather than watching, here are some of our favorite books.
The Cancer Survivor’s Guide: Foods That Help You Fight Back
By Neal Barnard, M.D., Jennifer Reilly, R.D. and Susan Levin, M.S. R.D.
The China Study
By T Colin Campbell, PhD and Thomas M Campbell, MD
Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes
How to reverse diabetes in 3 steps.
WHOLE
by T. Colin Campbell PhD with Howard Jacobson PhD
The Starch Solution
by John A. McDougall MD and Mary McDougall
A Life On Our Planet
Honest, revealing and urgent, David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet is a powerful first-hand account of humanity’s impact on nature and a message of hope for future generations
The Alzheimer’s Solution
A revolutionary, proven program, The Alzheimer’s Solution, for reversing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline from award winning neurologists and codirectors of the Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center.
How Not to Die
From the physician behind the wildly popular Nutrition Facts website, How Not to Die reveals the ground-breaking scientific evidence behind the only diet that can help prevent and reverse many of the causes of disease-related death.
How Not to Age
Inspired by the dietary and lifestyle patterns of centenarians and residents of “blue zone” regions where people live the longest, Dr. Greger presents simple, accessible, and evidence-based methods to preserve the body functions that keep you feeling youthful, both physically and mentally.
Brimming with expertise and actionable takeaways, How Not to Age lays out practical strategies for achieving ultimate longevity.
Yoga and Veganism
In Yoga and Veganism, Sharon Gannon—co-creator of the renowned Jivamukti Yoga method—weaves together a compelling exploration of the intersection between the spiritual practice of yoga, physical health, care for the planet, and a peaceful coexistence with other animals and nature.
Comfortably Unaware
In Comfortably Unaware, Dr. Richard Oppenlander tackles the crucial issue of global depletion as it relates to food choice. We should all be committed, he tells us, to understanding the reality and consequences of our diet, the footprint it makes on our environment, and seek food products that are in the best interest of all living things.
Healthy Eating Healthy World
Healthy Eating Healthy World is all about the single most powerful move that humans can make to promote health, reduce obesity, lower the cost of health care, nurture our fragile environment, conserve our energy resources, feed the world’s steadily growing population, and greatly reduce the suffering of animals in factory farms all over the world.
Restaurants
Delicious, nutritious plant-based food offered at the following SWFL restaurants.
Café YOU
A Unique Food & Coffee Experience
Vegan Drive Thru
Come to Life – The Vegan Drive Thru for vegan fast-food, affordable and healthy.
Living Vine Organic Cafe
Eat, Drink & Relax! Join us for great organic coffee, raw juices, smoothies & homemade cooking & baking!
Loving Hut
Loving Hut is a beacon of light for an alternative way of living to achieve World Vegan, World Peace. While striving to make Our Vision a reality, we continually focus on improving our Core Values.
Mama Sezz
Eat, Drink & Relax! Join us for great organic coffee, raw juices, smoothies & homemade cooking & baking!
The Sanibel Sprout
Organic, nutritious & gourmet vegan food, vitamins/supplements and inspiring home decor. Sanibel/Captiva organic produce co-op every Wednesday.
Vibrant Beat
Cafe Hours 8AM-2PM for made-to-order food Grab-and-go items available throughout the day.
Videos
Experience the thought-provoking talks and presentations featuring inspiring speakers sharing insights on plant-based living and sustainable practices.
How Not to Age Video by Dr M Greger’s Presentation from Nutrition Facts
Inspired by the dietary and lifestyle patterns of centenarians and residents of “blue zone” regions where people live the longest, Dr. Greger presents simple, accessible, and evidence-based methods to preserve the body functions that keep you feeling youthful, both physically and mentally.
Brimming with expertise and actionable takeaways, How Not to Age lays out practical strategies for achieving ultimate longevity.
