Top 10 Whole Food Plant-Based Lifestyle Sources
Where I turn for credible plant-based information, research, and inspiration.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to figure out who to trust when it comes to health and nutrition—especially on the whole food, plant-based (WFPB) journey—you’re not alone.
There’s a lot of noise out there. A lot of buzzwords. And yes, a whole lot of influencers who might mean well but aren’t exactly rooted in science.
So today I’m sharing my go-to list of the top 10 most credible, research-backed, and genuinely helpful sources for learning more about WFPB living. These are the experts I trust. The ones I turn to for answers, recipes, practical tools, and the reassurance that I’m not just eating rabbit food—I’m healing my body with real, whole, beautiful nourishment.
Let’s dig in.
1. Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM)
Led by Dr. Neal Barnard, PCRM is a nonprofit made up of doctors, researchers, and educators working to revolutionize how we treat chronic disease—by focusing on food as medicine. Their research is rock solid, and their free resources are incredibly user-friendly.
Best For: Preventing and reversing diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions with food.
2. NutritionFacts.org
Created by Dr. Michael Greger (you might know him from How Not to Die), this nonprofit is my go-to for deep dives into the science. Every topic is backed by peer-reviewed studies, and the videos are short, engaging, and easy to digest (pun intended).
Best For: Research-based answers to specific nutrition questions—without fluff.
3. T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies
Founded by the man behind The China Study, this site is packed with science-backed information, recipes, and online courses. If you want to understand the why behind the WFPB approach, this is the place to start.
Best For: Educational articles, plant-based certifications, and long-term health guidance.
4. Forks Over Knives
This is a household name for a reason. If you watched the documentary and thought, “Wow, I want to eat like that!”—their site makes it possible. Recipes, meal plans, shopping lists, even a recipe app. It’s the practical, everyday sidekick to a WFPB lifestyle.
Best For: Easy-to-make, oil-free plant-based recipes and meal inspiration.
5. Dr. Dean Ornish / Ornish Lifestyle Medicine
Dr. Ornish is a pioneer. His program is one of the few proven to reverse heart disease using food, movement, connection, and stress management. It’s even covered by Medicare.
Best For: Those with heart concerns or looking for science-backed, lifestyle-focused healing.
6. Blue Zones by Dan Buettner
This one is so inspiring. Blue Zones are the five regions in the world with the longest-living people, and surprise—they eat a mostly whole food, plant-based diet! While it’s not strictly WFPB, it’s a beautiful guide to living with intention, simplicity, and joy.
Best For: Lifestyle inspiration and a big-picture look at longevity.
7. Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn / Esselstyn Foundation
Dr. Esselstyn is another major figure in the heart-health world. His no-oil, plant-based protocol is one of the strictest out there—but also one of the most effective.
Best For: Reversing heart disease through ultra-clean WFPB eating.
8. American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM)
If you’re someone who wants the medical backing to lifestyle changes, the ACLM is where doctors go to get certified in nutrition, movement, and prevention. Their resources are science-forward and peer-reviewed.
Best For: Clinically valid info on WFPB living from healthcare professional.
9. Plant-Based News
Think of this one like the global pressroom for all things plant-based. From new studies and product launches to interviews with top experts, it keeps me in the loop on where the movement is headed.
Best For: Staying current on WFPB trends, documentaries, and expert insights.
10. Dr. McDougall’s Health & Medical Center
Dr. John McDougall is one of the earliest advocates for a starch-based, oil-free, plant-based diet. His McDougall Program has helped thousands reverse chronic illnesses like heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes through accessible, everyday ingredients—think potatoes, rice, beans, and veggies. People looking for simple, affordable, no-nonsense advice with a focus on satiety and healing chronic disease—especially if they enjoy potatoes (a lot of potatoes).
Best For: People looking for simple, affordable, no-nonsense advice with a focus on satiety and healing chronic disease—especially if they enjoy potatoes (a lot of potatoes).
Bonus: 3 More Plant-Based News Sources Worth Bookmarking
If you’re like me and love staying in the loop with all things plant-powered—from new products and recipes to food system news and cultural trends—these three bonus resources are well worth a visit:
11. Plantiful Kiki
Who she is: A YouTube creator and health coach who documents her real-life journey using a high-carb, low-fat, McDougall-inspired diet to lose weight and heal.
Why it’s great: Her content is friendly, relatable, and full of simple, budget-conscious WFPB meals the whole family can enjoy.
Best For: Beginners wanting personal, encouraging guidance with a lifestyle-based weight loss focus.
12. PlantYou (by Carleigh Bodrug)
Who she is: Bestselling author, content creator, and creator of the viral PlantYou brand.
Why it’s great: Known for her visual meal prep guides, colorful cookbooks, and approachable tone, Carleigh makes plant-based eating feel fun, modern, and totally doable—even for skeptics.
Best For: Meal preppers, visual learners, and anyone who loves tasty recipes with big Instagram energy and no preachy vibes.
13. Jane Esselstyn
Who she is: A nurse, cookbook author, and hilarious educator—also Dr. Esselstyn’s daughter and a major advocate for women’s health in the WFPB space.
Why it’s great: Jane brings a high-energy, practical, and joyful approach to the otherwise serious world of no-oil eating. She and her mom, Ann, make cooking plant-based fun and accessible.
Best For: Heart-health-focused eaters looking for no-oil recipes with real personality, especially women navigating midlife health.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for answers, recipes, or reassurance that you’re on the right path—this list is a great place to start. Each of these sources has helped me shape my own WFPB journey in a way that’s grounded, exciting and rooted in truth.
Because here’s the thing: You don’t have to do this perfectly. You just have to begin.
When we fuel our bodies with what they truly need—whole, healing foods—we give ourselves the best shot at thriving, not just surviving. No fads, no fluff. Just real food for real healing.
