![An illustration of fruit in a bowl on a blue background.](/sites/default/files/media/corporatelearning_blog_nutrition_0.jpg)
In life, sometimes the most profound changes come from the most unexpected moments. For Gabriel Lee, a fateful morning in March 2023 marked the beginning of a transformative journey toward holistic wellness. While accompanying his wife to her chemotherapy treatment, Gabriel experienced a heart attack. This pivotal moment propelled him into a profound exploration of self-care and well-being, leading him to enroll in the Health and Wellness: Designing a Sustainable Nutrition Plan Program from Harvard Medical School (HMS) Corporate Learning.
Reflecting on his journey, he shared, "That heart attack was a wake-up call for me. It made me realize that I needed to take my health more seriously and make significant changes in my life."
Gabriel, who was in his 50s at the time of the heart attack, began confronting high cholesterol levels in his early thirties. Faced with a choice in his early thirties between medication and lifestyle changes, he opted for the latter, embarking on a path of dietary modifications. After attempting at-home adjustments, Gabriel sought a structured framework to guide his wellness efforts and found the HMS executive program led by Elizabeth Frates, MD. The program's emphasis on sustainability, coupled with its comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of health beyond nutrition, resonated with Gabriel's quest for holistic well-being.
During the program, he explored the principles of lifestyle medicine, learning about the six pillars that form the foundation of a healthy lifestyle: nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress resilience, positive social connections, and avoidance of risky substances. Gabriel recalled, "The program taught me how all aspects of our lifestyle are interconnected. It wasn't just about changing what I ate or how much I exercised, but about making sustainable changes in every area of my life."
The online program provided a framework grounded in evidence-based practices, and Gabriel found that the teaching style empowered him to grasp complex concepts and apply them practically. As Gabriel's journey unfolded, the tangible and transformative results became apparent: his blood pressure normalized, and his cholesterol levels improved.
Empowered by his firsthand experience, Gabriel, a committed lifelong learner, drew valuable insights not only from his journey but also from the knowledge acquired through the executive program. Fueled by these experiences, Gabriel embarked on a mission along with his wife to extend a guiding hand to others on their path to holistic wellness. Together, they launched an online platform aimed at encouraging individuals to prioritize their health and embrace holistic well-being.
The Health and Wellness: Designing a Sustainable Nutrition Plan from Harvard Medical School Corporate Learning meets the growing demand for accurate nutrition guidance and coaching tailored for a wide range of wellness professionals and individuals seeking an evidence-based understanding of nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and behavior changes for sustained well-being. Rooted in lifestyle medicine principles, it equips health coaches, nutritionists, personal trainers, and clinical health care professionals with skills to support clients in adopting healthy behaviors.
Corporate Learning Blog
View the latest stories from our community members and expert partners at the Harvard Medical School Corporate Learning blog.