Episode 048: Lifestyle Medicine: 1% Better Every Day

Send us Fan MailDr. Angela welcomes Cecilia Dinora, COO of Terra Health Coaching, to The Lifestyle MD podcast for a conversation on the power of lifestyle medicine. Cecilia shares her personal journey — from growing up in a family affected by diabetes to becoming a lifestyle medicine-certified health coach — and how that experience shaped Terra Health Coaching's mission. The two dive deep into evidence-based lifestyle interventions, the surprising cost-saving impact of coaching alongside GLP-1 medications, the importance of muscle mass and metabolic protection, and why community, nature, and human connection are just as vital to health as nutrition and exercise. They close with a practical breakdown of Terra's programs, pricing, and how physicians and individuals alike can get connected.In this episode:- Cecilia Dinora's path to lifestyle medicine and founding story of Terra Health Coaching- How Terra's year-long GLP-1 support program helped 22% of enrolled employees avoid starting the medication altogether — and the major cost savings that come with it- Why muscle mass and body composition (not just BMI) matter for long-term health, especially for women- The core pillars of lifestyle medicine: whole food plant-based nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, positive social connection, and avoidance of risky substances — plus an "honorary" pillar: time in nature- The science and personal story behind "forest bathing" and its impact on mental health- Terra's program structure: lifestyle medicine coaching, chronic disease management, GLP-1 support, and a newer autoimmune protocol- How physicians can refer patients, and how individuals can self-refer- Terra's human-first coaching model (no AI bots), available in eight languages- Terra's employer partnership model and how it benefits DPC/concierge practices- Pricing ($285/month, HSA/FSA eligible), chronic care management billing for physicians, and program length (3 months / 12 sessions minimum)- A preview of Cecilia's upcoming lifestyle medicine retreat in Verona, ItalyConnect with Cecilia & Terra Health Coaching:- Website: terrahealthcoaching.com- Email: [email protected] YouTube: Terra Health Coaching (patient testimonials)YouTube VideoSupport the showFollow me on Instagram @angelalifestylemd and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to my podcast & SHARE this episode.