Blog

Menopause and the years leading into it (perimenopause) bring powerful changes: to sleep, mood, weight, skin, bones, and of course, hormones. As a physician who now teaches people how to use food as medicine, I’m frequently asked: “What should I actually eat to feel better during this transition?” Below are the five plant-based food groups we discussed on the Instagram Live with Dr. LaKeischa, why they matter for hormone health, and simple ways to include them in your daily meals. ...Read More

Menopause is more than hot flashes and sleep shifts. It’s a time of hormonal change that affects your whole body, including your gut.  Emerging research shows the gut microbiome plays a surprising role in how we feel emotionally during midlife. If you’re noticing low-grade anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, or fatigue as your hormones change, your gut may be part of the story and the kitchen is where you can start to help it. Below I explain the science in...Read More

You go to the doctor for a routine check, and the numbers are…off. Not diabetes yet, but not quite normal either. Maybe your A1C is 5.9% or your fasting glucose reads 110 mg/dL. Your clinician says the word: prediabetes. It can feel like a faint alarm bell: confusing, unsettling, and oddly vague. Here’s the truth: prediabetes is not a life sentence. It is a turning point. With early detection, the right mindset, and consistent, food-centered habits, many people normalize their...Read More

Back in August, I went in for my routine screening mammogram, something I have done since my baseline at age 35 and then annually starting when I turned 40.  The tech somehow did a great job of squishing my “girls” into pancakes without actually causing too much pain. She told me I would get my results within a week, so I got dressed and went home to start my day. Imagine my surprise when just a few hours later my...Read More

August is National Wellness Month—a perfect time to pause, reset, and ask yourself:  How am I really taking care of myself? As a physician and someone who began her plant-based journey after turning 50, I can assure you that wellness isn’t about extremes or perfection. It’s about building small, consistent habits that nourish your body, calm your mind, and support long-term health. This month, I’m celebrating wellness by sharing 7 everyday habits that help busy professionals—especially those of us 35...Read More

If you’re a woman in your 30s, 40s, 50s (or beyond), chances are no one ever pulled you aside to explain how your nutritional needs evolve with age. Instead, most of us were raised on a steady diet of food rules and body shame—taught to eat less, shrink more, and fear carbs like the enemy. I know this because I lived it too. Even as a physician, I once believed many of the same myths: that cutting calories and skipping...Read More

You’re eating “healthy.” You’re exercising. After all, you know you can’t get away with what you did in your 20’s and 30’s. So why are you feeling…off? Weight creeping up. Brain fog rolling in. Sleep feels less restorative. Mood swings that seem to come out of nowhere. You’re not doing anything wrong. Your body is simply asking for something different. Midlife Isn’t a Health Crisis—It’s a Call to Evolve By the time we hit our 40s and 50s, we’re navigating...Read More

When it comes to healthy eating, especially plant-based living, many people believe that results only come with perfection.But here’s the truth, backed by research: you don’t need to be 100% plant-based to experience the powerful health benefits. What matters most is consistency—making small, intentional choices over time that support your body, your goals, and your lifestyle. Let’s break down why that is—and how you can start thriving, without the pressure of perfection. The Problem with “All or Nothing” In nutrition,...Read More

June is National Soul Food Month, and for me, that stirs up more than just thoughts of a delicious plate. It’s a time to honor where we’ve come from, what’s been passed down through generations, and how we can nourish our future while keeping our culture at the center of the table. Because soul food isn’t just food. It’s history. It’s survival. It’s joy served with a side of cornbread and a whole lot of love. And now, as more...Read More

If you’ve embraced a plant-based lifestyle (or are considering it) in the hopes of feeling more energetic, living longer, and aging vibrantly then you’re in the right place. Many people turn to plant-based eating to improve their health, only to find themselves tired, moody, nutrient-deficient, or even gaining unwanted weight. The problem? It’s not the lifestyle, it’s the myths about plant-based eating that can quietly sabotage your success. Let’s bust those myths wide open. The Problem: Plant-Based Confusion is Real...Read More