For Dr. Carol Wroblewski, food addiction was once an overwhelming battle that she never expected to win. At nearly 300 pounds, she faced a turning point when her doctor warned of dire health risks unless she made significant changes. This wake-up call propelled Dr. Wroblewski into a journey of profound transformation—physically, mentally, and professionally. Today, as a licensed psychologist and plant-based nutrition advocate, she uses her unique experience to help others address the complex roots of food addiction and emotional health.

The Turning Point: From Warning to Action

Dr. Wroblewski grew up surrounded by conventional ideas about health. Her family relied on the Standard American Diet, with a heavy emphasis on meat and protein. But her father, a wheelchair basketball player, believed that high-protein diets were essential to staying strong and healthy. It wasn’t until later, when her doctor issued a stark ultimatum, that she began to reconsider her relationship with food. Determined to avoid medication and regain control of her health, she set out to cut processed foods and sugar from her diet.

Initially, she made gradual changes, focusing on eliminating sugar and fast food. But she quickly realized that simply removing these elements wasn’t enough; deeper changes were needed to sustain her progress and address underlying emotional triggers tied to eating.

Discovering the Power of Plant-Based Nutrition

Dr. Wroblewski’s path toward a plant-based diet began on a two-week vacation when she packed two life-changing books: How to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn and The China Study by T. Colin Campbell. Inspired by these insights, she decided to commit to a plant-based lifestyle, a choice that would dramatically shift her health and outlook.

Despite initial concerns about the sustainability of a plant-based diet, Dr. Wroblewski was surprised to find herself feeling better and more energized with each passing week. She not only shed weight but also reduced her risk for chronic diseases and experienced an overall improvement in her emotional health. Since that turning point in 2010, she remains committed to plant-based living, crediting it with maintaining her health, vitality, and mental clarity well into her 60s.

Understanding Food Addiction: A Psychologist’s Perspective

As a psychologist, Dr. Wroblewski delved deeply into the issue of food addiction. Through her research and training, she began to understand how processed foods and certain eating habits could fuel addictive tendencies. “Food addiction goes beyond mere cravings,” she explains. “Many people use food as a way to manage stress, numb emotional pain, or even cope with loneliness. Processed foods are engineered to trigger these responses, making it incredibly challenging to break free.”

Her work with renowned food addiction experts like Joan Ifland and Kay Shepherd helped her recognize the critical role of processed foods—especially those laden with sugar, salt, and fat—in perpetuating addictive behaviors. Today, she encourages others to remove these “trigger foods” from their diets to regain control over their health.

Helping Patients Break Free from Emotional Eating

In her psychology practice, Dr. Wroblewski works with clients struggling with weight loss, emotional eating, and, in many cases, food addiction. She emphasizes that managing one’s weight and health isn’t just about physical fitness; it’s also about emotional resilience and developing healthier coping mechanisms.

In her current role, she teaches emotional eating classes at bariatric practices, where she introduces participants to principles of plant-based nutrition and lifestyle medicine. Although the programs she works within often prioritize quick fixes, Dr. Wroblewski advocates for long-term solutions that address emotional and mental well-being. “My goal is to empower individuals to see that they have the tools within them to take control of their lives and make sustainable changes,” she says.

Empowering Change as a Food for Life Instructor

To expand her impact, Dr. Wroblewski became a Food for Life instructor for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). Through her workshops and classes, she teaches participants how to incorporate nutritious, plant-based meals into their daily lives without sacrificing flavor or convenience. Her classes focus on practical recipes, emphasizing the benefits of whole foods and the ease of preparation to encourage sustainable changes.

One of her favorite initiatives is the 21-Day Kickstart Program, which encourages people to commit fully to a plant-based diet for three weeks. “It’s amazing what can happen in just 21 days,” Dr. Wroblewski shares. “Participants often see significant improvements in their energy levels, mood, and overall well-being.”

Navigating Challenges in the Weight Loss Industry

While Dr. Wroblewski’s approach is rooted in plant-based nutrition, her work within the weight loss industry often involves navigating the complexities of conventional medicine and diet culture. She has faced challenges when promoting plant-based health within traditional weight loss programs, where quick fixes like calorie restriction or appetite suppressants are more common. However, her clients’ feedback motivates her to keep going: many express gratitude for her compassionate approach and say that her classes give them hope for a healthier, more sustainable future.

Dr. Wroblewski emphasizes that her role is to provide a “long view” of health, guiding her patients to see wellness as a journey rooted in lifelong changes rather than temporary fixes. Her approach encourages individuals to focus on sustainable habits that empower them to feel their best over the long term.

Plant-Based Nutrition as a Foundation for Mental and Physical Health

Dr. Wroblewski’s dedication to plant-based nutrition has not only transformed her own life but has also become the foundation of her work as a psychologist. She regularly collaborates with healthcare professionals to bring plant-based education to diverse communities, including hosting cooking classes and wellness programs for individuals with chronic health conditions.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Wroblewski enjoys helping others embrace a plant-based lifestyle in a practical way. She teaches her clients how to make quick, nutritious meals that are affordable, flavorful, and satisfying. For those hesitant to take the plunge, her message is clear: “If you want lasting change, go all in and give yourself a real chance to feel the benefits.”

What’s Next for Dr. Carol Wroblewski?

As Dr. Wroblewski continues her work, she plans to expand her outreach through additional classes and public events, helping more people realize the transformative power of plant-based nutrition. Semi-retired, she now has the time to focus on her passion for education, offering classes in her community and even hosting one-on-one sessions to support those who need a little extra guidance.

Episode Highlights

[00:00]             Introduction.

[01:30]             Carol grew up believing health was the luck of the draw.

[04:30]             Questioning food addiction.

[06:30]             Boots on the ground advocacy begins.

[10:30]             Food addiction and chronic disease.

[15:00]             Knowing when to share about the plant-based lifestyle.

[18:00]             The long-view contribution.

[20:30]             Carol becomes certified in plant based nutrition via eCornell University.

[24:00]             The 21 Day Kickstart Program is great for any level.

[29:30]             What’s on the horizon for Carol.

[34:00]             Advocate for your own health.

About Dr. Carol Wroblewski

Dr. Carol Wroblewski is a semi-retired licensed psychologist based in Indiana. With a rich background in higher education, she has served as a counselor, faculty member, Counseling Center Director, and upper-level administrator. In 2005, Carol embarked on a transformative journey, achieving a 100-pound weight loss through lifestyle changes, without the use of surgery or medical interventions. Embracing a vegan lifestyle in 2008, she shifted her focus to educating and supporting individuals adopting a plant-based diet, becoming the Indianapolis Food for Life Affiliate for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM).

In 2014, Carol’s clinical activities evolved to include conducting psychological evaluations for individuals considering bariatric surgery, as well as coaching patients in non-surgical weight loss programs. After completing over 8,000 psychological evaluations in bariatric practices, she transitioned from full-time clinical practice to part-time support, providing encouragement to those striving to maintain healthy weight and lifestyles. Carol continues to offer Food for Life programs and other plant-based experiences, sharing her passion for wellness and healthy living.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Dr. Wroblewski.

About Dr. Frank Sabatino

As a recognized authority on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr. Frank Sabatino has cared for and inspired thousands of people for over 40 years. Dr. Sabatino has a PhD in cell biology and neuroendocrinology and has done extensive landmark research on calorie restriction, stress, and aging. He currently is on staff at the TrueNorth Health Foundation in Santa Rosa, CA, and serves as the Director of Health Education at the NHA.

Dr. Sabatino’s passion and life’s work include raising awareness about the benefits of whole-food, plant-exclusive nutrition (without added salt, oil, or sugar), health rejuvenation and stress management.

Dr. Sabatino is the author of Weightless: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life, a groundbreaking guide to sustainable weight loss through a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. Drawing on extensive clinical and personal experience, Dr. Sabatino offers practical strategies to overcome food addiction and avoid fad diets, risky drugs, and surgeries. The book provides meal plans, recipes, and lifestyle tips, emphasizing whole, plant-based foods and addressing the role of stress, sleep, and environmental toxins in weight management. “Weightless” empowers readers to achieve their weight goals healthily and sustainably, benefiting both people and the planet.

About NHA

The National Health Association (NHA), founded in 1948, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Association provides educational materials, educational events, and services to thousands of people around the world.

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthful living. The NHA recognizes the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

The NHA also provides travel experiences around the globe through the NHA Plant-Based Travel and cruise division.

More information: https://www.healthscience.org/

Scholarships

A unique benefit of the NHA Conference is the selection of two medical students who receive a full scholarship to the conference.

Contact Wanda Huberman for more information on how to apply for the scholarship.  whuberman@healthscience.org

NHA membership

For a very nominal investment, you can enjoy incredible benefits of the NHA membership.

Members of the NHA enjoy a subscription to the award-winning quarterly health journal, Health Science, access to the “Members Only” section of the NHA Website (which contains all 43 years of back issues of the magazine),  the ability to download for free many classic out of print eBooks on the history of the Natural Hygiene Movement, including Fasting Can Save Your Life and The Greatest Health Discovery, discounts on books, and early notice of the NHA events.

Only $35 a year for basic membership within the United States.  https://www.healthscience.org/join-renew/