Food as Medicine: Cooking for Whole Health

Posted May 15, 2024 | By Jordyn Flannery

Forget the fad diets. If you want to know the real secret to a lifetime of healthy living and eating, it’s simpler than you think – whole foods. What does that mean? And how do you eat day-to-day in a way that’s best for your overall health?  

In this month’s Food as Medicine program, our two presenters, who are both passionate about the many benefits of a plant-forward way of eating, will share their best tips and tricks for eating whole foods for your whole health.  

Recipes can be found here.

Allison Harrell is a registered dietitian nutritionist and plant-based chef who has been passionate about food and nutrition for more than 20 years. She advanced her knowledge by becoming a certified Culinary Medicine Specialist, certified in Weight Loss Management. Harrell believes that every time we eat, it is an opportunity to promote our health. She incorporates culinary experiences with a science-based approach. Her programs and tools make a positive difference in the health of our communities by instilling confidence and knowledge in the kitchen. 

Arianna Becker, DO, is a board-certified family medicine physician. Along with treating acute and chronic illnesses in patients ages 18 years and older, her areas of interest include preventive medicine, skin biopsies, cryotherapy, knee injections, suturing lacerations and women’s health. Dr. Becker earned her medical degree with honors from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, where she was the recipient of the American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow-Rubin Achievement Award. She also received awards for her community outreach and participation in a relief effort program. She went on to complete her residency as part of AdventHealth’s Family Medicine Residency program, where she received the Heart of Compassion Award. She is a member of the American Osteopathic Association and of the American Academy of Family Physicians. She sees patients at her office at the Center for Health & Wellbeing.  

About the Food as Medicine Series: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” isn’t just a quote from ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates, it’s a framework to healthy and healing eating that’s more relevant today than ever. Join CHWB Chefs and AdventHealth physicians for this innovative program from the Center for Health & Wellbeing. You’ll learn more about the intersection of food and medicine, dive deep into the ways your food choices affect your health far beyond the numbers on your scale and learn easy recipes using new and interesting flavors and techniques.