Dean Ornish

“A valid scientific theory is predictive, verifiable, and replicable. To me, that's beautiful.”

“If we can reach populations in developing countries and help them understand the value of their indigenous diet and lifestyles rather than copying ours, perhaps we can reverse the exponential rise in cardiovascular disease that is plaguing them.”

“Meaningful health reform needs to provide incentives for physicians and other health professionals to teach their patients healthy ways of living rather than reimbursing primarily drugs and surgical interventions.”

“Eating a stick of butter will raise HDL in those who are able to do so, but that does not mean that butter is good for your heart. It isn't.”

“An Asian way of eating and living may help prevent and even reverse the progression of coronary heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, prostate cancer and breast cancer. Incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, soy products and fish in your diet. Eat at home more with your family and friends.”

“Our emotions resonate with each other - for better and for worse.”

“While the digital age has done so much to improve our world, it has dramatically changed our social structure, often further isolating us from each other.”

“What matters most is your overall way of eating and living.”

“Curious patients are more receptive to new ideas, and those who engage their health practitioners in a dialogue are much more likely to adhere to these recommendations.”

“When we are angry with someone, we empower the person we hate the most in that moment to make us stressed out or even sick. That's not smart.”

“The biological mechanisms that control our health and well-being are much more dynamic - for better and for worse - than most people realize.”

“It costs less to eat and live more healthfully. Walking, loving, meditating, and quitting smoking are free and require no special equipment.”

“The need for love and intimacy is a fundamental human need, as primal as the need for food, water, and air.”

“Smaller portions of good foods are more satisfying than larger portions of junk foods, especially if you pay attention to what you're eating.”

“Joy of living is sustainable; fear of dying is not.”

“Make choices to empower yourself.”

“Connections with other people affect not only the quality of our lives but also our survival.”

“No one has all the answers, so whatever a woman who has the BRCA mutation chooses to do requires courage and an element of faith. And a lot of love and support.”

“Intimacy and community buffer stress.”

“If I eat mindlessly while watching television, reading, or talking with someone else, I can go through an entire meal without tasting the food, without even noticing that I've been eating. The plate is empty but I didn't enjoy the food - I had all of the calories and little of the pleasure.”