Finding “Fabulous Health”: A Conversation with Nutritionist Terri Chrisman

Welcome to NHA Today, the official podcast of the National Health Association. In this inspiring episode, hosts Justin and Stephanie Williams speak with Terri Chrisman, a board-certified nutritionist, lifestyle medicine professional, and author of the new book Fabulous Health. Terri’s story is rich with personal transformation, scientific clarity, and deep compassion — all grounded in her mission to help others live healthier, happier lives. 

From her beginnings in Australia to years spent living around the world, Terri’s journey is as global as it is personal. But it was her long exploration of food, health, and evidence-based nutrition that ultimately led her to whole food, plant-based living and her desire to help others do the same.

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A Vegetarian Beginning With Missing Pieces

Terri became vegetarian at 18 for reasons many can relate to: compassion for animals, weight struggles, and a desire to make a change. But like many new vegetarians, she lacked the nutritional grounding to understand what truly drives long-term health. Over the years, she learned more about animal agriculture, then environmental impacts, and eventually the realities of dairy and egg production — a turning point that inspired her to go vegan overnight. 

But eating vegan didn’t automatically mean eating well.

In this episode, Terri openly reflects on her period of “processed vegan” living — vegan cream cheese, cupcakes, bagels — and how her health only improved when she embraced whole, unprocessed plant foods.

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Why People Struggle to Change

One of Terri’s strengths is helping people understand human behavior. She explains the Transtheoretical Model of Change, a psychology framework showing that people shift toward new habits in stages — from pre-contemplation, to contemplation, to action.

This model shapes all her work:

• You cannot force someone to change
• You can only meet them where they are
• Modeling healthy behavior is often more powerful than lecturing

Her practical, compassionate communication strategies are a highlight of the episode. 

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Lifestyle Medicine: More Than Just Food

Terri’s book and coaching practice emphasize all six pillars of lifestyle medicine:

• Whole food, plant-based nutrition
• Physical activity
• Avoiding risky substances
• Restorative sleep
• Stress management
• Social connection

These elements, she notes, work “exponentially” when practiced together, mirroring the holistic approach long championed by pioneers like Dr. Dean Ornish. 

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Science, Motivation, and the Heart

Terri’s dedication is deeply personal. With a family history of heart disease — her father died at 51 — she is open about her genetic risks and her responsible use of medication. But she’s just as clear that eating whole food, plant-based has kept her healthy, energetic, and vibrant.

Her honesty brings nuance to a topic often oversimplified: food can be powerful, but every body has a unique story. 

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Emotional Eating and the Psychology of Food

Terri discusses the emotional side of eating — from stress-triggered cravings to long-ingrained habits. She shares strategies to break automatic patterns, replace foods wisely, and recognize that processed foods are engineered to hook our brains. Her compassionate insights make health feel approachable rather than overwhelming. 

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Why She Wrote “Fabulous Health”

Terri wanted to put the science into everyday language — without requiring anyone to read research journals.
The book includes:

• Clear explanations of nutrition
• Practical application
• Quizzes to reinforce learning
• Journal prompts to help reflect and stay emotionally grounded

She is currently developing a full companion workbook to expand these tools even further. 

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Her Favorite Go-To Meal

Terri shares her easy 5-minute Asian noodle bowl, featuring:

• Millet/brown rice noodles
• Lots of frozen veggies
• Flavorful broth
• Pre-seasoned tofu
• Fresh herbs and optional spices

A quick, delicious example of plant-based eating that is practical for any busy day. 

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Where to Find Terri

🌐 Website: fabuloushealth.net
📘 Book: Fabulous Health (signed copies available in the U.S.)

Terri’s mission is simple: give people the knowledge and confidence to transform their health — one informed choice at a time.