Today, the program has grown into a model of care that is transforming lives across South Texas and drawing attention from far beyond it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe built this program because we saw too many patients suffering from preventable diseases. We wanted to give them the tools to take charge of their health in a sustainable, evidence-based way,\u201d said Heidi Benavides, DNP, MSN, APRN, RN, CMSRN, FNP-C<\/a>, associate professor\/clinical and one of the program\u2019s founders.<\/p>\n A different approach<\/p>\n At its core, the Green Wellness Program is a six-month, evidence-based lifestyle medicine program built around six pillars<\/a>: a whole-food, plant-based eating pattern, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, healthy social connections and avoiding risky substances.<\/p>\n Unlike traditional one-on-one appointments, participants attend shared medical visits with an interdisciplinary team that includes nurse practitioners and a registered dietitian, all affiliated with the School of Nursing\u2019s clinical practice, Wellness 360<\/a>. The collaborative setting provides education and encourages community, accountability and support.<\/p>\n \u201cThe beauty of lifestyle medicine is that the benefits don\u2019t take years to see,\u201d Benavides said. \u201cWithin weeks, patients report more energy, lower blood pressure and improvements in daily living.\u201d<\/p>\n From pilot to impact<\/p>\n What began in 2019 with a small pilot has since expanded to more than 240 patients, with over 1,000 online inquiries from people all over the U.S. interested in joining.<\/p>\n That growth was celebrated Aug. 23 during the program\u2019s fourth anniversary event at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The morning featured an optional yoga session, a vegan breakfast, participant reflections, a panel discussion and a Q&A session \u2014 embodying the same community spirit that has carried the program since its pilot days.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we launched the pilot, we weren\u2019t sure how it would be received,\u201d said Paula Christianson-Silva, DNP, FNP-BC, ANP-BC, DipACLM<\/a>, associate professor\/clinical and program co-founder. \u201cFour years later, to see 19 cohorts completed and more than 1,100 inquiries has been extraordinary.\u201d<\/p>\n Research funding from partners such as the school\u2019s Nursing Advisory Council<\/a>, Morrison Trust and the UT San Antonio Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences\u2019 Nestle Helmut Maucher Endowment has helped the program grow. Its founding faculty have also presented program findings at national conferences and published them in leading health, nursing education and nutrition journals.<\/p>\n Transforming lives<\/p>\n Participants often report improvements in weight, energy levels, blood pressure and overall quality of life. For many, the program reframes health as joy in daily living instead of fear of illness.<\/p>\n \u201cSouth Texas has some of the highest rates of chronic disease in the country,\u201d said dietitian Christiane Meireles, PhD, RD, LD<\/a>, clinical associate professor and program co-founder. \u201cWe knew from the beginning this program had to be culturally relevant and accessible to our community.\u201d<\/p>\n Gabby Hastings, a participant in the Green Wellness Program, said the experience was life changing.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen I enrolled in the program, I was not in my best health, but I was willing to make a change,\u201d Hastings said. \u201cI looked forward to the classes each week and meeting the other participants. Being around others who also wanted to improve their health inspired me. The program gave me practical tools to incorporate more plant-based foods into my diet and sparked my passion for public health.\u201d<\/p>\n Hastings said the program influenced her decision to pursue a master\u2019s degree in public health at UT San Antonio\u2019s School of Public Health<\/a>, where she is now in her second year. \u201cI even completed an internship with the San Antonio Food Bank to better understand its impact in our community,\u201d she said. \u201cI want to help improve the healthcare system by encouraging healthier eating habits. I hope this program inspires others not only to live their healthiest lives, but also to take on new endeavors.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOur research has shown that when patients have culturally tailored support \u2014 recipes, group discussions, even just being seen by people who understand their background \u2014 their engagement and outcomes are stronger,\u201d Meireles added.<\/p>\n Why lifestyle change matters<\/p>\n Chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity remain leading causes of illness in the U.S., but research shows many can be prevented or reversed through diet and lifestyle changes.<\/p>\n \u201cLifestyle medicine is transforming primary care,\u201d said Christianson-Silva. \u201cThat\u2019s especially important in Texas, which ranks second in the nation for obesity. Our focus is on helping patients make daily changes that align with their own values and motivations. Many people feel discouraged when they \u2018fall off the wagon,\u2019 but there is no wagon; this is life. The goal is to learn how to make your lifestyle work for you.\u201d<\/p>\n The School of Nursing envisions an even broader reach for the Green Wellness Program.<\/p>\n Future plans include telehealth offerings, philanthropic support to extend access to the uninsured and specialized cohorts tailored to certain diseases. A commercialization strategy is also underway, potentially bringing the UT San Antonio-born program to a national audience.<\/p>\n \u201cOur long-term vision is to make this program accessible to everyone who wants it, regardless of insurance or income,\u201d Christianson-Silva said. \u201cThat\u2019s where philanthropy and telehealth will play a huge role.\u201d<\/p>\n For now, the team is preparing for its next round of participants. Registration for the upcoming cohort will open soon, offering San Antonians another chance to take part in a program that is proving lifestyle change is not only possible, but powerful.<\/p>\n The next Green Wellness Program: Plants-2-Plate cohort will meet Wednesdays from 3\u2013 4 p.m., beginning Oct. 8, 2025.<\/p>\n There is a $75 program charge, and all appointments are insurance-billed. Patients are responsible for insurance co-pays and deductibles.<\/p>\n Those interested in joining or in need of more information should fill out the inquiry form here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Discover more about the Green Wellness Program<\/p>\n Want to dive deeper into the ideas behind the Green Wellness Program? Explore these recent features:<\/p>\n![\"Nutritionist](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/nutrition-consult.jpg\")
Participants have access to a team of nurse practitioners and a registered dietitian.<\/p>\n![\"Group](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Screenshot-2025-09-09-at-10.12.29-AM.jpg\")
Anniversary event attendees were treated to an optional morning yoga class.<\/p>\n![\"Expert](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/IMG_5269-scaled.jpeg\")
The event featured expert panelists: (from left to right) Adelita Cantu, PhD, RN, CHWI, FAAN; Eiryth Finniga, PhD; Paula Christianson-Silva, DNP, FNP-BC, ANP-BC, DipACLM; and Dion Turner, RDN, LD, DipACLM.<\/p>\n![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/support-group-stock-1.jpg\")
Shared medical visits encourage community, accountability and support.<\/p>\n\n