The Feasibility,Acceptability and Impact of a Remotely Delivered Whole-Food Plant-Based Education Program

Abstract

Chronic conditions linked to Western dietary patterns, together with the environmental impacts of high animal product consumption, highlight the need for scalable lifestyle medicine education strategies that support shifts toward plant-based eating. This pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a 5-week, remotely delivered, nutrition-focused lifestyle medicine education program centered on whole-food plant-based eating, and examined changes in dietary intake, knowledge, skills, and perceptions. The pilot program comprised five weekly 90-minute interactive Zoom sessions covering whole-food plant-based principles, health and environmental considerations, and practical strategies for dietary change. Participants completed 24-hour dietary recalls using ASA24-AU and surveys assessing knowledge, skills, and perceptions at baseline and post-intervention. Nine women aged 20 to 61 years completed the pilot program. Acceptability was high (mean rating 4.07/5). Participants reported improvements in whole-food plant-based knowledge, greater confidence in food preparation, and more favorable perceptions of taste, satiety, and convenience. Significant reductions were observed in energy intake, cholesterol, sodium, selenium, vitamin B12, and percent energy from protein. A short-duration online whole-food plant-based education program was feasible, well accepted, and associated with measurable improvements in dietary behaviors and perceptions. Larger studies incorporating clinical outcomes and longer follow-up are warranted to assess long-term effectiveness and sustainability.