Barbara J. Mathison: Champion of Plant-Based Wellness and Civic Advocacy

Barbara J. Mathison, a certified health coach, lobbyist, entrepreneur, and Food for Life (FFL) teacher, is recognized for her outstanding contributions to health, wellness, and nutrition promotion. A widely renowned expert in her area, she has advocated for plant-based nutrition, sustainable wellness practices, and community health education. Through her organization, Nutritious Way, she has enabled numerous people, mainly seniors, to live better lives through food, lifestyle modifications, and easily available wellness information.

Mathison’s path to becoming a health champion was molded by her own struggles with obesity, which she conquered at the age of 63, and her experience as a breast cancer survivor. Growing up on a dairy farm, she first maintained a conventional diet before converting to veganism and researching the transforming impact of plant-based nutrition on health. Mathison discovered her interest in assisting people in adopting plant-based eating, inventing innovative whole-food recipes, and teaching practices that promote illness prevention, weight control, and general well-being.

Mathison’s work has also included remarkable educational achievements. She received certificates in plant-based nutrition and health coaching from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), where she studied under Dr. Neal Barnard, a major specialist in plant-based health. Mathison, an FFL teacher, promotes the preventative health advantages of whole-food, plant-based diets and teaches seminars on weight, cancer, and diabetes control. Her activities are geared toward various demographics, including children’s health and elderly wellness efforts.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mathison is committed to making an impact in her community. She has offered her knowledge as a vegan cook and educator. View on Southern Utah Magazine’s segment, “Don’t Eat That!!” featured her unique methods of whole-food cuisine. She has been teaching Tai Chi Dragon Qigong since 2002 and has given lectures at community colleges and hospital outreach programs.

Among her several accomplishments, Mathison has made considerable civic and political advocacy efforts. In Idaho, she successfully advocated establishing private job agencies, which reversed a century-old ban on such services. She also fought for financing for the displaced homemakers program and spearheaded efforts to legalize denturity in the state, resulting in a historic turnout. Her drive for constructive change in public health, education, and social support systems exemplifies her steadfast commitment to serving.

Mathison also served as the official Liza Minnelli look-alike and has performed motivational concerts under the stage name Liza B. since 1986. She has given motivational speeches around the United States, exhibiting her desire to inspire people. Mathison, a family-oriented person, values time spent with her four sons, grandkids, and 13 great-grandchildren. She continues to assist animal and environmental protection groups, abuse survivors, and trauma sufferers.

Mathison’s dedication and lifelong commitment to bettering the health and well-being of others have profoundly impacted countless lives. From her tireless advocacy efforts and unique approach to community engagement, her unwavering passion and continued contributions inspire others to pursue a healthier and more compassionate lifestyle.