Chef Michel Nischan is on a mission to improve health, build communities and create a more sustainable future – all with a bowl of soup.
“Soup is simple,” Chef Michel says. “But when it’s made with real, whole foods, it becomes powerful.”
It Starts with the Heart
After his son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Chef Michel entered the fine dining world with Heartbeat in New York City, one of the first restaurants to champion flavorful health food. He then took his mission overseas, opening Pure, India’s first sustainable, organic restaurant, with a focus on culture, ingredients and community.
But it was opening The Dressing Room in Westport, Connecticut with actor and philanthropist Paul Newman that allowed Chef Michel to discover his true calling – making fresh fruits and vegetables available to all Americans, regardless of income. To achieve his mission, Chef Michel co-created a nonprofit, Wholesome Wave, with former USDA Under Secretary Gus Schumacher.
“I wanted to create something that was not only good for people, but also good to them,” Chef Michel says. “We’re talking about food that nourishes the body and also feeds the community. Food that not only tastes good, but also does good.”
The success of Wholesome Wave led to Wholesome Crave, a plant-based soup company rooted in the same values of nutrition, equity and sustainability that the chef has championed throughout his career. Every soup is crafted from whole, plant-based ingredients. And like the Newman’s Own brand, a portion of every soup sale funds the work of Wholesome Wave.
Chef Michel sees Wholesome Crave as being uniquely suited to restaurants like Atria’s, where food directly supports longevity and vitality.
The Power of Plant-Based Eating as We Age
So, what does “plant-based” mean? And why should it matter – especially to older adults?
At its core, plant-based means eating foods made entirely from plants – fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, without any animal ingredients. While plant-based diets happen to be vegan, for Chef Michel and many wellness experts, the goal isn’t about eliminating meat; it’s about eating more plants.
A plant-forward diet emphasizes plant foods as the foundation of each meal, while allowing for the thoughtful inclusion of sustainable, high-quality meats. It’s a flexible, balanced approach that encourages variety and nutrients over restriction.
Why Choose a Plant-Based Diet for Seniors?
As we age, our nutritional needs change. Maintaining heart health, supporting brain function, managing weight and boosting the immune system become even more crucial. The good news? A plant-forward diet checks all the boxes.
“Whole foods like vegetables, grains and legumes are the original medicine cabinet,” says Chef Michel. “They don’t just feed you. They heal you.”
And research shows there are benefits for the whole body.
Heart Health
Plant-based foods are naturally low in saturated fat and cholesterol, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease – the top health concern among older adults. Ingredients like lentils, beans and vegetables are rich in fiber and help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol.
Cognitive Support
Antioxidants found in colorful vegetables, herbs, and spices help protect brain cells from damage. A diet rich in whole plant foods has been linked to slower cognitive decline and a reduced risk of dementia.
Better Digestion
As we age, digestion slows down. The fiber in plant-based food supports healthy digestion and regularity, making meals more comfortable and efficient for your body to process.
Weight and Inflammation Management
Whole, unprocessed plant foods are nutrient-dense but lower in calories. This makes it easier to manage weight and inflammation – two key factors for preventing chronic illness and maintaining mobility.
Immunity and longevity
Plant-based diets are very rich in vitamins C, E and beta-carotene – essential nutrients for a strong immune system, which is crucial for preventing illness and speeding up recovery times.
Soup That Supports Your Wellness
In a world where healthy eating can feel overwhelming or out of reach, Chef Michel’s Wholesome Crave soups offer a simple, delicious solution. And for Atria residents, plant-based soup can offer vitality, energy and joy in every nutritious bowl.
Schedule lunch at one of our two participating communities, Atria at Foster Square and Atria West 86, and enjoy a bowl of Chef Michel’s soup in good company.
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