Dr. Lisa Belisle

Playing with Food and the PPBD

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 22, 2009, The Maine Switch

In the January 8 edition of Switch,  I discussed the benefits of eating a  predominantly plant-based diet, also known as the ‘PPBD.’ This article had been prompted by a query from one of my Facebook friends, so I posted it there for him to read. The PPBD concept prompted a variety of interesting comments from other Facebook friends. Most people agreed that:

Vegetarianism, Poseurtarianism and the PPBD

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 8, 2009, The Maine Switch

One of my friends recently sent a note via Facebook asking my opinion about vegetarianism/veganism. He wanted to know where the science stands on this issue, and if I had any specific concerns about being a vegetarian/vegan. Like my friend, I have eaten a predominantly plant-based diet for many years. As a doctor, I’ve come to believe that plant-based diets have much to recommend them.

Garden Healing

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published 2009 Farmers' Almanac

Mimi’s garden is a magical place. My daughter has spent many an autumn afternoon there, blissfully arranging flowers and pressing cider under the watchful eye of our family friend. Twelve-year-old Abby is learning what people have known for centuries: gardening is good for the soul. What she may not realize is that exercising one’s green thumb may be equally advantageous for the body. 

Growth for Grownups: One Step at a Time

By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published January 2009, Parent & Family

I could not wait for my oldest child to grow up. I wanted to see his first tentative steps and hear his first intelligible words—immediately, if not sooner. But I did not have a choice: I had to wait. Growing up is a process. One set of brain cells needs to connect with another set of brain cells, and the brain needs to communicate with the rest of the body. Then children walk, and talk, and grow. Growth takes time.