In this episode, guest Deborah Gertner, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist with over 14 years of experience in plant-based nutrition,  shares her journey to becoming a dietitian and offers insights into optimizing nutrition for endurance athletes. She also discusses her personal experiences with health challenges and how they shaped her approach to wellness and performance.   Connect with Deborah on Instagram and Facebook at @plantforwardendurancenutrition and on her website (https://www.plantforwardendurancenutrition.com/)   Studies & Resources: Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) - Dr. Neal Barnard's WorkDr. Neal Barnard is known for his research on plant-based diets and their impact on various health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and weight management. Dean Ornish's Studies on Reversing Chronic DiseasesDr. Dean Ornish's work focuses on lifestyle changes, including a plant-based diet, and their ability to reverse chronic diseases such as heart disease. Caldwell Esselstyn's Research on Preventing and Reversing Heart DiseaseDr. Caldwell Esselstyn's studies demonstrate how a whole-food, plant-based diet can prevent and even reverse heart disease.Esselstyn's Research on Heart Disease The China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell"The China Study" by Dr. T. Colin Campbell is one of the most comprehensive studies on nutrition and chronic disease, linking plant-based diets to better health outcomes.   Products mentioned in this episode:  Native Food (Restaurant) - A 100% vegan restaurant offering a variety of plant-based comfort foods, including their popular buffalo chicken sandwich. Located in Glendale, Colorado, and other locations. Native Foods Just Egg - A plant-based egg substitute made from mung beans, offering a taste and texture similar to scrambled eggs. Just Egg Violife Cheese - A brand of dairy-free, vegan cheese made from coconut oil and fortified with Vitamin B12. It's known for its creamy texture and is used as a cheese alternative in various dishes. Violife Instant Pot - Instant Pot Tailwind - A brand of endurance fuel that provides hydration, energy, and electrolytes in a single drink, designed for athletes during long workouts and races. Tailwind Nutrition Spring Energy Gels - Natural energy gels made from whole food ingredients, offering sustained energy during endurance activities. They are vegan, gluten-free, and easy to digest.Spring Energy Picky Bars - Real food energy bars created by athletes, for athletes, with a balanced mix of carbs, fat, and protein. They are plant-based, gluten-free, and designed for performance and recovery. Picky Bars Element (LMNT) and Mortal Hydration - Hydration products providing essential electrolytes, particularly sodium, without added sugars. These products are used to support hydration during workouts and races. LMNT and Mortal Hydration Huel - A complete meal replacement product offering balanced nutrition with a blend of protein, carbs, fats, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Huel's products are vegan and include options for those on gluten-free diets. Huel Owen (Only What You Need) - A brand offering plant-based protein shakes and meal replacements made from pea protein, flaxseed, and other natural ingredients. They are vegan, gluten-free, and free from the top allergens. Owen Skratch - A brand that produces hydration and fueling products for athletes, focusing on using real food ingredients. Their products include drink mixes and energy chews, suitable for vegan diets. Skratch Labs Liquid IV - A hydration multiplier that enhances water absorption, offering rapid hydration with added electrolytes. It's a popular choice for athletes and those needing quick rehydration. Liquid IV Untapped Maple Syrup - A natural energy source made from pure Vermont maple syrup, offering a simple, real food option for endurance athletes. It's vegan, gluten-free, and rich in antioxidants. Untapped