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About

Brenda Davis

Registered Dietitian

Brenda Davis is an internationally recognized registered dietitian, author, speaker, and educator with decades of experience in clinical nutrition, public health, education, and consulting. A respected authority in vegetarian and vegan nutrition, she has dedicated her career to advancing plant-based nutrition and inspiring healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.

Through her writing, speaking, and consulting, Brenda shares her expertise with health professionals and audiences worldwide. Known for translating complex nutritional science into practical, evidence-based guidance, she empowers people to make informed food choices that support personal health, well-being, and the planet.

She is a prolific writer and a sought after consultant. She has authored many videos and hundreds of PowerPoint presentations. Nourish won gold in the 2020 Nautilus Book Awards and a Canada Book Award winner.

Brenda lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada with her husband, Paul Davis. She has two grown children, Leena Markatchev and Cory Davis, and three grandchildren.

Accolades

Brenda Davis RD

An authoritative, entertaining, and passionate speaker,
with an exceptional list of accomplishments.

Dietitian

Brenda is a past chair of the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group of the American Dietetic Association.

Consultant

Brenda Davis is a recognized leader in nutrition, with extensive experience as a public health nutritionist, clinical nutrition specialist, sought-after consultant, and academic instructor.

Speaker

Brenda is an internationally acclaimed speaker, featured at nutrition, medical, dietetic and health conferences throughout the world. She has presented in over twenty-five countries on six continents.

Author

Brenda is a prolific co-author/author of award-winning, best-selling books. She has also authored and co-authored numerous articles for peer-reviewed medical and nutrition journals and magazines.

Awards

Brenda receives the Plant-Based Luminary Award (2022​)

A group of six people stands on a stage holding a book. They are smiling at the camera, dressed in business casual attire. A banner in the background reads “Planting the seeds of change” with a logo on the right side, symbolizing their commitment to a plant-based future.
A screen displays an award presentation slide. On the left is a painting of cherries with leaves. The middle text reads The Plantrician Project Luminary Award 2022. On the right, a smiling dietitian in a red jacket holds an apple among plant-based vegetables.
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A man and woman, both smiling and posing together at the International Plant-Based Nutrition Healthcare Conference, exemplify the vibrant spirit of vegetarian advocacy. The screen behind them highlights event details: September 16 to 19, 2022. They are both dressed in business attire.
Three people smiling in front of a backdrop with fruit and plant imagery. The woman in the middle, likely a dietitian, holds a certificate adorned with apple illustrations. They are dressed formally, with the men in suits and the woman elegantly attired in a dress and shawl.
A man and a woman, both radiant with smiles, are captured on camera. The man dons a suit with a green tie, while the woman sports a red jacket over a black top. Perhaps theyre celebrating after consulting their favorite dietitian about the benefits of plant-based living indoors against a dark backdrop.
Three people are standing together, smiling at the camera. The man in the middle has a light beard, wearing a light blue suit jacket. The woman on the left, possibly a dietitian, wears glasses and a black necklace, while the woman on the right sports a white jacket and scarf.
A group of six people stands on a stage holding a book. They are smiling at the camera, dressed in business casual attire. A banner in the background reads “Planting the seeds of change” with a logo on the right side, symbolizing their commitment to a plant-based future.
Three people are seated on stage with microphones. The woman on the left, possibly a dietitian, wears a black and white outfit, the man in the middle wears a dark sweater, and the man on the right sports a light blue suit. A banner and lush plants are in the foreground.
Three people are sitting on stage with microphones, engaged in a panel discussion. Two men and one woman, perhaps a dietitian, all wearing business attire. Behind them is a screen displaying a video conference with several vegan and vegetarian participants.
A man in a suit and a woman in a black jacket and white dress, perhaps a dietitian, sit on stage with microphones. Theyre smiling as a screen behind them shows images of other people. A lush array of plants is visible in the foreground, complementing the scenes vibrant energy.
Three people are smiling and talking at an event. The person on the left, a dietitian, is wearing glasses and a black-and-white outfit. The person in the middle sports a light blue jacket, while the one on the right, wearing a name tag, gestures enthusiastically about plant-based choices.
A man and a woman, both smiling and applauding, stand on stage in front of plush chairs. Dressed formally, they are part of a virtual plant-based conference visible on the large screen behind them.
Two people stand on stage beneath a banner reading The Plantrician Project: Planting seeds of change. One speaks into a microphone about vegan lifestyles while the other, possibly a dietitian, is at a high table with a laptop. Two high chairs complete the setup.
Three people smiling at a professional event, wearing conference name tags. The man on the left, perhaps a plant-based dietitian, has a beard and is in a suit. The woman in the center has curly red hair and a colorful dress. The woman on the right has dark hair pulled back, wearing a blazer.
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A promotional image for a virtual town hall titled Plant-Based Luminaries: A Look Back at the Last 10 Years, featuring headshots of seven speakers, including renowned dietitians. The event is scheduled for Sunday, September 18, 2022, at 7:15 PM PT.
  • 2022 - Recipient of The Plantrician Project Luminary Award
  • 2020 - Canada Book Award (Nourish)
  • 2020 - Nautilus Grand Gold Book Award (Nourish)
  • 2014 - REAL Best of 2014 Book Award
  • 2014 - Canada Book Award
  • 2014 - 24-Carrot Award - Vegetarians in Paradise
  • 2014 - Distinguished Dietitian Award - Dietitians For Professional Integrity
  • 2013 - ForeWard Book of the Year Finalist and Honorable Mention

Vegan Hall of Fame

In June 2007, Brenda was inducted to the Vegan Hall of Fame (North American Vegetarian Society) with one inductee per year. It was a huge surprise. What a tremendous honour!

Ongoing

Projects & Research

Projects

Brenda's adventures include a personal consult and lecture for a member of the royal family (and his staff) in Saudi Arabia, with colleague, Dr. Michael Greger; a lifestyle intervention demonstration project for the medical community in Lithuania, with colleague, Dr. John Kelly.

Research

She served as the lead dietitian in a diabetes intervention research project in the Marshall Islands. On her last trip to the Marshall Islands (November 2017), she developed a nutrition education curriculum for kindergarten through grade 6 and trained teachers in all public schools.

Nutrition

Brenda has helped numerous people reverse diabetes and learn to eat for optimal health. Her personal and professional life goals are one and the same – to make this world a more sustainable, more health-supportive, and kinder place.

View Events
Brenda's Resume
My Favourite Resources
Testimonials

From my role as Lead Dietitian in the Marshall Islands Diabetes Wellness Program

My pilot’s medical certificate was denied when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. I am 38 years old. I was devastated as this certificate is necessary for my work as a pilot. I heard about the Diabetes Wellness Program and I became a participant. I completely changed my diet and embarked on a daily exercise program. Upon my last physical check-up, I was told that I am fully recovered and my pilot’s medical certificate was approved. I no longer have diabetes. I am very thankful. I have my career and my life back. Please help us to keep this program, and our people, alive.
Lorak Lorak
Lorak LorakResearch participant
I suffered a stroke because of my diabetes and was in a wheelchair. I could not walk. After joining the Diabetes Wellness Program for six months, I got rid of my wheelchair and am walking on my own again. This program has given me more than I ever thought possible. I am healthier than I have been in many years. Please provide funding for this program for the sake of the people of the Marshall Islands. It provides us with the greatest hope we have had. Please, we beg you to help us.
Fred Heine
Fred HeineResearch participant
My diabetes started in 1991 and for the past 8 years prior to the program my sugar level was between 420 and 480. It never fell below 300. My blood pressure was always at least 190/110. My blood sugar is now between 140-180, and my blood pressure is 120/70. My doctor told me to stop my medications because I don’t need them anymore. I am very grateful and life feels amazing. All the problems I used to have such as rushing over to the emergency room in the middle of the night, going to the bathroom every 15 minutes, constant hunger even after meals – I no longer have these problems.
Kenye Anien
Kenye AnienResearch participant
I was bedridden all the time because in my mind I considered myself dead. I was sceptical about the program and told my wife that nothing could cure me. You see, I had a stroke and half my body was paralyzed. I had been in my bed for a year. I could not walk at all. Now I am proud to say that I can walk all the way to the supermarket without any pain in my body. I thank God for His plans to bring these doctors to these small islands because He knows that we need them now more than ever.
Pastor Lawrence Edwards
Pastor Lawrence EdwardsResearch Participant
I was diagnosed with diabetes 1994. I had to take pills every day. My weight kept going up, as did my blood glucose level. I tried different diets and even walked every day, but would always end up back in my old eating patterns. I joined the Diabetes Wellness Program and I feel great now. I have no more pain, no more sleepless nights, and no more cravings for unhealthy food. I had to buy new clothes because other clothes are too loose now. I get so many compliments everywhere I go. People ask me “what is your secret – you look so good? Other people are getting old but you look like you are getting younger these days.” I’ve lost weight before but never got these kinds of compliments. It is true that my complexion is so much clearer and I feel so much better and more energized. I have a whole different outlook on what I put into my body. I am so grateful to the staff at the Diabetes Wellness Program and pray it will continue until all people with diabetes feel as well as I do.
Morson Lautej
Morson LautejResearch Participant
RECIPES
ARTICLES

Learn more from our latest book

Plant Power Seniors (2026)

What is your usual daily food intake?

My Daily Meals & Fitness

I have a nice daily routine and I do love eating. I find as I get older, I need to cut back on portions of more energy dense foods like grains, starchy vegetables, nuts, and avocados to maintain my weight. I weigh on most days and if the scale is moving up too much, I cut back portions, and cut out treats for a day or two!

Breakfast Bowl

  • 1/2-3/4 cup cooked grains and lentils (oat groats, kamut, barley, quinoa, small brown lentils)
  • 1.5 cups of fruits ( blueberries, raspberries, peaches, apricots, apples, pears, plums, bananas)
  • 1 Tbsp seed and nut mix (ground flax, chia, hemp and pumpkin seeds and Brazil nuts)
  • 3 Tbsp homemade, dehydrated granola
  • 1 cup fortified soy milk
  • 2-3 Tbsp unsweetened nondairy yogurt, chia pudding, or pear cashew cream

Large Green Salad

  • mixed organic greens
  • veggies of every color such as red and yellow peppers, carrots, watermelon radish, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, etc...
  • homegrown sprouts
  • legumes (beans, lentils, or tofu cubes)
  • grains or starchy vegetables (quinoa, kamut berries, or cubes of squash or sweet potatoes)
  • fruit (apple, mango, or blueberries), seeds (usually pumpkin or sunflower)
  • tahini hemp lemon dressing
  • fresh fruit such as an orange or sometimes a stuffed date or other small homemade treat

Dinner is usually a hot meal such as:

  • bowl with grains, steamed veggies, beans or tofu, and sprouts with peanut sauce
  • a stew
  • beans over quinoa and veggies
  • lentil crepes with a white wine/cashew mushroom and broccolini sauce
  • stuffed sweet potatoes and green vegetables,
  • baked tofu, baked squash and green veggies
  • lentil loaf with gravy, mashed potatoes and veggies
  • stir fry or salad
  • We usually have a small dessert such as sliced apples with cinnamon and nut butter, banana ice cream (homemade using a Yonana machine), fruit crisp, chia pudding, or other fun dessert.

I generally do not snack, but occasionally will have popcorn (once every month or two) when
we watch a movie or vegan dark chocolate treats – which I make myself.

Beverages

  • water
  • herbal teas
  • occasionally sparkling water

Total Intake

Vegetables – At least 7 servings a day or more (3+ green, 2 orange/yellow, 1 red, 1 purple/blue
and 1 white/beige)
Fruits – About 4 servings a day (more in the summer)
Legumes – 3 servings a day
Nuts/seeds – 1-2 servings a day
Grains – about 2-3 servings a day
Non-dairy milk/yogurt – 2 servings a day

Do you have a daily fitness routine?

You bet! I believe that physical fitness is an essential part of optimal health – like eating and
sleeping! I have made exercise a priority in my life from the time I was about 16 years of age. I
aim for at least an hour of planned exercise a day. All other physical activity is a bonus
(walking, gardening, etc.)

My typical week includes the following activities: 

  • 5-6 aerobic classes (at the YMCA) – (1 hour each)
  • 2 yoga classes (1 hour each)
  • 1 strength class (1 hour) plus weights at home 2-3 times a week (10-15
    minutes)
  • 1-2 times a week –running, biking, cross-country skiing, etc.

Author and Co-Author

Books by Brenda Davis

Brenda’s books are considered classics in vegetarian and vegan nutrition, with nearly one million copies printed in twelve languages. She has also authored hundreds of videos and  PowerPoint presentations. 

“Nourish” won gold in the 2020 Nautilus Book Awards and was also a Canada Book Award winner. Her vegan nutrition classics, Becoming Vegan (Comprehensive Edition and Express Edition) were also multiple award winners.

  • Plant Powered Seniors (Davis, Melina & Black 2026)
  • Plant-Powered Protein (Davis, Melina & Davis, 2023)
  • Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families (Shah & Davis 2020)
  • Kick Diabetes Essentials (Davis, 2019)
  • The Kick Diabetes Cookbook (Davis & Melina, 2018)
  • Becoming Vegan: Comprehensive Edition (Davis & Melina, 2014)
  • Becoming Vegan: Express Edition (Davis & Melina 2013)
  • Becoming Raw (Davis, Melina & Berry 2010)
  • The Raw Food Revolution Diet (Soria, Davis & Melina 2008)
  • The New Becoming Vegetarian (Melina & Davis 2003)
  • Defeating Diabetes (Barnard & Davis 2003)
  • Dairy-free and Delicious (Davis 2001)
  • Becoming Vegan (Davis & Melina 2000)
  • Becoming Vegetarian (Melina, Davis & Harrison 1994)
  • The Complete Vegetarian (Contributing Author, 2009)
VIEW ALL BOOKS
The cover of Dairy-Free & Delicious showcases a slice of layered dessert, lasagna, broccoli with creamy sauce, and a pink smoothie. Highlighting plant-based recipes for managing milk allergies and lactose intolerance, its crafted by Bryanna Clark Grogan and Joanne Stepaniak.

Brenda Davis RD 

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