#79 Vesanto Melina - Plant-Based Nutrition for Healthy Aging

Plant-Based Nutrition for Healthy Aging with Vesanto Melina What does healthy aging look like on a plant-based diet? In this episode, I'm joined by internationally recognized dietitian and bestselling author Vesanto Melina to discuss the benefits of plant-based nutrition for seniors and the specific nutritional considerations that become increasingly important as we age. We talk about protein, calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3s, bone health, muscle mass, strength, and maintaining independence, along with practical ways to make plant-based eating enjoyable and sustainable throughout the aging process. Vesanto’s new book, Plant-Powered Seniors, co-written with Brenda Davis and Dr. Charlyn Black, is released September 15, 2026. About Vesanto Melina Vesanto Melina is an internationally recognized dietitian, award-winning author, educator, and speaker specializing in plant-based nutrition. She combines a strong scientific background with a practical style that makes healthy eating simple, delicious, and sustainable. She taught nutrition at Bastyr University and the University of British Columbia, published in peer-reviewed medical journals, and was lead author of an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Position Paper on Vegetarian Diets. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award (U.S.) and Ryley-Jeffs Memorial Award (Canada). Vesanto co-authored bestselling books with Brenda Davis, including Plant-Powered Protein, The Kick Diabetes Cookbook, and Becoming Vegan, with more than one million copies in English and in nine additional languages. Vesanto’s passion is helping people discover that eating for healthy aging can be both evidence-based and wonderfully enjoyable. Connect with Vesanto on her website nutrispeak.com, Facebook @vesanto.melina, and be sure to check out her new book at plant-poweredseniors.com. ____________________________________________________________________ About Your Host: Shawna Barker is a nutritionist with a BSc. in Nutrition and has been vegan since 2002. With over 14 years of experience, she brings evidence-based insights to help you build a plant-based life that actually works for you.   Work With Me: If you're ready to go plant-based or already are and want to feel more confident about your nutrition, I offer private consultations with personalized, evidence-based guidance. No overwhelm, just clarity. Book your free 15-minute discovery call at synergynutrition.ca ___________________________________________________________________ Vegan Boss Resources: 🛒 Supplements: 100% vegan, carefully curated and 10% off everything, always. Visit my Online Store. Ships across Canada. 👕 Apparel: Wear the message. Shop Vegan Boss Apparel and follow @veganbossapparel on Instagram. 🎧 Enjoying the show? Subscribe, share this episode with someone who is interested in health and veganism, and leave a review, it really helps more people find the podcast. 📩 DM me anytime on Instagram @vegan_boss