Sick elderly man in hospital bed on left, on right healthy elderly couple outside in nature on a trail run

At Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute (RLMI), we empower people everywhere to make evidence-based, life-affirming choices — rooted in whole-food plant-based living — to create a healthy, sustainable, and compassionate world.

Our programs are designed to prevent, halt, and even reverse conditions like type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure—all without relying on medications or calorie counting.

Healthy whole foods, variety of fruits and vegetables on wooden table and in heart shaped basket

Transforming health with whole-food plant-based living

Jumpstart is a two-week program proven to prevent, arrest, and even reverse chronic disease while boosting vitality and well-being—all through a simple, whole-food plant-based diet.

We now offer Jumpstart in two formats:
Live and On-Demand versions!

Learn more!
Dr. Ted Barnett holding platter of healthy vegetables

Myth vs. Fact:

“Once you have type 2 diabetes, you just have to manage it forever.”

That’s a myth. The fact is, your body can heal, and we see it happen all the time

At RLMI, hundreds of participants with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) have lowered or even eliminated medications, improved blood sugar control, and reclaimed their energy within just two weeks. It’s not magic. It’s science. A whole-food, plant-based lifestyle gives your body and cells what they need to restore insulin sensitivity and repair metabolic health.

Meet Kevin:

Blood sugar (glucose) dropped 72 points!

Glucose: 196 —> 124

“Eating somewhat healthy is not enough, and the only thing to help Blood Sugar is WFPB. I wanted to learn again what this could do!” — Kevin (Jumpstart Participant)

Quick Facts:

  • Blood sugar can improve in as little as 3 days.

  • Many participants cut medications under doctor supervision.

  • Our approach is safe, evidence-based, and sustainable

  • On average, participants with glucose levels over 130, reduce their blood sugar by 31 points in just two weeks!

See how Jumpstart Can help

Did you know… your cholesterol level isn’t just about your genes?

Food is powerful medicine — and it works faster than you think

Most people are surprised to learn that within 15 days of switching to a whole-food, plant-based diet, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol can drop by 20–40%. That’s without statins, side effects, or calorie counting.

At RLMI, participants experience dramatic improvements, confirmed with our before-and-after lab results.

Quick Facts:

  • Animal products are the only source of dietary cholesterol.

  • Fiber (found only in plants) pulls cholesterol out of your body.

  • Even one plant-based meal can start improving your blood flow.

  • On average, JS participants with total cholesterol above 240 reduce their cholesterol level by 63 points in just two weeks

See how it works:

Learn more about Jumpstart

“High blood pressure runs in my family, there’s not much I can do…”

Actually, there’s a lot you can do — and the results can happen faster than you think.

High Blood Pressure: What Most People Don’t Hear

High blood pressure is one of the most common health challenges in the U.S., but it’s also one of the most responsive to lifestyle change.In our evidence-based programs, participants often see meaningful improvements in blood pressure — sometimes within days — simply by unlocking the power of whole-food, plant-based nutrition and supportive habits.

With medical experts guiding you every step of the way, you’ll learn the tools to support healthy blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and gently help your body reset.

Get results like Doug!

  • Blood pressure went from 125/80 to 111/169

  • Lost 10 lbs

  • Total Cholesterol dropped from 227 to 183

QUICK FACTS:

  • A plant-forward diet can naturally help lower blood pressure.

  • Nitrate rich food such as dark leafy greens can actually help relax blood vessels.

  • Participants commonly reduce BP meds safely under their physician’s care.

  • Those a starting blood pressure (BP) above 140, on average reduce their BP by 19.7 points in just two weeks!

Learn more about Jumpstart

Our Programs:

15 Day Whole Food Plant Based Jumpstart Program

Lose weight, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and feel better. All through our proven, evidence-based program.

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The Lift Project - Improve overall mood and wellbeing

Improve mood and overall well-being using the latest findings from positive psychology, lifestyle medicine, and neuroscience.

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Health Coaching

Partner with a Health Coach and build your path to health, wellness, and well-being.

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lifestyle medicine lectures

Lectures from experts in the field of Lifestyle Medicine on the topics that matter to you.

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RLMI's Grand Rounds

Groundbreaking live case discussions on Lifestyle Medicine patients - led by expert panelists. Free CME for clinicians.

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RLMI Community

Community dedicated to promoting human and planetary health. Join weekly Q&A Office Hours and monthly WFPB Support meetings.

Learn more

Why Choose RLMI?

Evidence-Based Programs:
Our initiatives are grounded in scientific research and clinical expertise.

Accessible Pricing:
With our Pay-It-Forward model, we offer sliding-scale fees to ensure everyone can participate.

Professional Development:
Healthcare providers can earn CME credits through our accredited programs.

Comprehensive Support:
From health coaching to community forums, we provide resources to sustain your health journey.

Guided by Medical Professionals
Our programs are designed and facilitated by physicians and healthcare experts who actively engage with participants, directly offering education, guidance, and support to individuals.

Hear what people are saying:

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