About Me- Beth Summers

About Me
In August 2016, I attended Plantstock in Claverack N.Y., an Engine 2 event that provides dietary and lifestyle education in the Whole Foods Plant Based (WFPB) lifestyle.   This lifestyle approach includes the avoidance of consumption of all animal products, processed oils, salt and sugar.  It also includes sleep hygiene, regular exercise and strong social relationships–all factors which have been proven to contribute to health and longevity.
Dramatically transformed by the experience,  I knew I had found my tribe. Participants were energetic, happy, and engaging, while the elders of the Esselstyn family,  Ann Crile Esselstyn and Caldwell Esselstyn Jr. M.D., patiently spoke to everyone who approached them with questions and offered support.
The Engine 2 Seven Day Rescue Diet which was created by firefighter, former professional athlete and son Rip Esselstyn, is a low-fat, “plant strong” plan that aims to prevent or even reverse diseases that are linked to the Standard American Diet: heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and cancer.
The level of other experts present was impressive.  I watched in awe while Dr. Esselstyn compared notes with Dr. T. Colin Campbell (co-author of The China Study and fellow star of Forks Over Knives.) Speakers described how the Whole Foods Plant Based Lifestyle had set them free;  from obesity, chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and certain types of cancer. While no one said so explicitly; what they were also describing was a mood reset: no more low grade depression and sleep deprivation brought on by poor circulation and systemic inflammation.
After jumping on the “Engine 2” bandwagon, and including Pilates as daily exercise I lost nearly 50 pounds!  As a result, I am more fit and toned than I can recall and am sleeping better than ever.  I have also been hard at work nurturing relationships with others following this path because eating, exercising and relating– are much more rewarding when shared with those who are like minded.
Serving The Cause: Currently,  I offer pro bono consulting services as a Whole Foods Plant Based Lifestyle advocate  to those in the WFPB movement.  I combine my experience as a Ph.D. in organizational psychology in meeting the needs of typical start up educational ventures.
 Pro Bono services include: 
  • Off site strategic meeting design assistance
  • Review of PowerPoint decks for word reduction and application to the “consumer” or lay level   
  • Strategic marketing orientation in determining potential products and services.
  • Conflict resolution and leadership/management issues.
  •  Services are available at no charge to those I think I can make a positive difference with and whom I think are worth my time investment.
Traveling Plant Powered: In addition to food preparation, my favorite hobby has become WFPB travel and expeditions. Conferences attended range from Plantstock (my fourth is in August 2019), Holiday Extravaganza at True North, Three Plantrician conferences, ACLM, Plant Based World Conference and Expo. Coming up are NHA (National Health Association) and Vegan Summerfest in Johnstown, PA.
An exciting new development I’d like to share is that I will be joining the National Health Association initial river cruise in Germany from October 5-12 and Vegan-Cruises.com South of France River cruise from November 1-8.
A goal for this outreach effort is to build a community of WFPB travelers, and seekers of better food and travel experiences. My aim is to support WFPB travel companies and businesses. I will continue to support non-profits who strive to bring WFPB education to those who can’t afford it.
Join me on my travels as I continue to learn about lifestyle, food, and world wide travel the whole foods, plant based way. Follow me on Instagram @travelingplantpowered.