Unlocking the Power of Plant-Based Nutrition with Dietitian Evelyne Mertens

Evelyne Mertens is a passionate and knowledgeable dietitian specializing in plant-based nutrition. With a deep commitment to helping individuals make informed, health-conscious food choices, Evelyne empowers people to thrive on plant-based diets.

Whether she’s debunking common myths or providing practical advice, her expertise spans across essential nutrients like iron, omega-3s, and the benefits of legumes. Evelyne’s approachable and evidence-based approach makes her a trusted resource for anyone looking to improve their health through the power of plants.

Her dedication to simplifying nutrition ensures that plant-based eating is both accessible and enjoyable for all.

Please tell us more about yourself

Fueling Your Body with Plants

Evelyne Mertens | Diëtiste ProVeg België

I am Evelyne Mertens, a Belgian dietitian and scientist. I graduated as a dietitian in 2011. My
bachelor’s dissertation, which I carried out in collaboration with ProVeg, focused on vegetarianism in
large-scale kitchens. This collaboration led to a long-term involvement with the organization, where I
continue to contribute as a volunteer dietitian to this day.

I am also someone who enjoys nature and taking long mountain hikes.

After completing my dietetics degree, I started a Master’s program in Healthcare Management and
Policy at KU Leuven. After obtaining my Master of Science, I started working full-time as a research
associate at KU Leuven, a position I still hold today. In addition to this, I remain deeply passionate
about plant-based nutrition and continue my volunteer work at ProVeg.

I was about seven years old when I told my parents that I no longer wanted to eat animals. That was
the moment I became a vegetarian, without ever having heard the term. As I got older, I gradually
eliminated more animal products from my diet, and by the time I was 18, I was following a
completely plant-based diet.

Empowering You to Make Healthier, Plant-Based Choices

Evelyne Mertens | Diëtiste ProVeg België

I was quite young when I decided to stop eating animal products. Initially, my parents were very
concerned about my nutrient intake, but at the same time, they respected my decision. After
consulting with a doctor, both my parents and I were reassured that I could eat a balanced diet
without meat, fish, and poultry, as long as I made sure to consume adequate substitute products.

At the time, there was still little known about plant-based diets. I actively sought out information on
what a healthy plant-based diet entailed. This became the motivation for me to study nutrition and
dietetics. During my studies, I also discovered that I was lactose intolerant. I had always experienced
discomfort after consuming dairy, but I had never made the connection to lactose before.
What are some challenges faced in finding vegan/vegetarian food? Or eating out with friends, etc.

Helping You Thrive with Nutrient-Rich, Plant-Based Foods

Evelyne Mertens | Diëtiste ProVeg België

In the past, it wasn’t always easy to find tasty and healthy meat substitutes. For example, to find
tofu, you had to go to an organic store in a big city. Eating out was also quite a challenge.
Fortunately, times have changed, and plant-based food is now very accessible. The range of
substitute products in supermarkets has expanded tremendously. You can find meat substitutes in
almost every supermarket, and in every price range. Almost every restaurant nowadays offers a
vegan option, and there are more and more places where the entire menu is plant-based.

So, I no longer face difficulties in that regard. Fortunately, everyone in my circle respects my dietary choices. When I eat at family gatherings, I notice that they make a real effort to prepare a plant-based meal for me. I greatly appreciate this and am also aware that I am incredibly lucky to have the respect of
my friends and family.

At the same time, I also respect their dietary choices. For example, my partner
doesn’t follow a fully plant-based diet, but he respects the fact that I do. Additionally, he is definitely
open to trying plant-based meals and eating them with me.

Maximizing Your Plant-Based Potential

Evelyne Mertens | Diëtiste ProVeg België

I’m feeling fantastic! Plant-based food can be incredibly varied and delicious, contrary to what many
people still believe. Plant-based food is not just a salad with lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. For
every animal product, there is at least one plant-based alternative. Take cheese, for example: there
are more than 50 types of plant-based cheeses. So, I really don’t miss anything!

Moreover, I eat a balanced diet, and I can tell that my body feels great. I occasionally take a vitamin
B12 supplement to support my varied diet, and during the winter months, when the days are short, I
take a vitamin D supplement, but that’s something everyone should do. At least once a year, I have
my blood tested, and the results are always perfect.

Breaking Down the Myths

Evelyne Mertens | Diëtiste ProVeg België

One of the most common misconceptions is that vegans don’t get enough protein. Plant-based foods
offer plenty of protein-rich options. Think of oats, legumes, tofu, seitan, plant-based milk, and so on.
It is also sometimes claimed that soy products are unhealthy. This is also incorrect. While some
studies suggest that soy products may have negative effects, these studies are often small-scale or
funded by specific interest groups. The majority of scientific research shows that soy products are
healthy, especially when they are fortified with vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and calcium.

Empowering You to Make Healthier, Plant-Based Choices

Evelyne Mertens | Diëtiste ProVeg België

Plant-based food can be so creative and delicious. Try, experiment, and enjoy. You don’t have to
change your entire diet all at once. Start with small steps and discover what works for you. Even one
plant-based meal per week can already make a difference for your health (reducing the risk of
overweight, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, certain cancers), the environment, the planet, and
animal welfare.

A tip for eating as balanced as possible: vary! Fill your fridge and pantry with different colors. For
example, red vegetables are rich in beta-carotene, green vegetables contain more calcium, and
whole grain brown products are rich in fiber, zinc, and iron… Additionally, try to include plant-based
substitutes for dairy products, which are usually white (such as plant-based milk, yogurt, etc.).

Evelyne Mertens | Diëtiste ProVeg België

Vegan nutrition🥑
Dedicated to @proveg.belgie since 2011🌱
MSc in Healthcare Management & Policy👩‍🎓
Research assistant Faculty of Medicine @kuleuven

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all images courtesy of Evelyne Mertens | Diëtiste ProVeg België