Explained: What Does “Veggies Over Pills” Mean?
If you’ve heard Dr. Adame speak in the clinic, on the Veggies Over Pills radio show, or around Culver, you’ve probably heard her favorite phrase: “Veggies Over Pills.” It’s more than a slogan — it’s a way of rethinking health and how we care for our families. At its core, Veggies Over Pills represents the foundation of Lifestyle Medicine: using nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management to prevent and even reverse disease — long before medication is needed.
At Culver Pediatrics Center, this philosophy shapes every part of how we care for children and families in Culver, Indiana. It’s not about rejecting medicine; it’s about remembering that healthy choices are our body’s first, best prescription.
The Meaning Behind Veggies Over Pills
Dr. Adame created the Veggies Over Pills movement to help families reconnect with what health really means. So often, pediatric care starts when something goes wrong — a cough, an infection, a lab result that’s off. But what if we could build wellness before those problems start?
That’s the heart of Veggies Over Pills. It’s about prevention through nourishment, not reaction through medication. It encourages families to use food as the foundation for strong immune systems, balanced moods, and lasting energy.
Lifestyle Medicine: The Science of Prevention
Lifestyle Medicine focuses on evidence-based habits that improve long-term health — not just symptom relief. It’s about identifying the root causes of illness and giving the body what it truly needs to heal.
At Culver Pediatrics Center, this means looking beyond quick fixes. Instead, we help families create small, sustainable habits around:
Eating more plants and fewer processed foods
Getting consistent movement and fresh air
Sleeping enough to recharge body and mind
Managing stress through mindfulness and connection
You can explore our full range of prevention and Lifestyle Medicine-inspired services on our All Services page.
How Dr. Adame Puts Veggies Over Pills Into Practice
For Dr. Adame, Veggies Over Pills isn’t just a catchy phrase — it’s how she practices pediatrics every day. When a child comes in with low energy, poor focus, or early signs of weight gain, her first question isn’t “What medication can fix this?” but “What’s happening with meals, movement, and sleep?”
This approach helps families make empowered, informed decisions. It’s medicine that starts with a conversation — and ends with a plan that fits real life.
How Families Can Live the Veggies Over Pills Way
Putting Veggies Over Pills into practice at home can be as simple as:
Adding one new vegetable to your weekly grocery list
Cooking dinner together instead of eating out
Encouraging kids to drink water instead of sugary drinks
Taking family walks or bike rides after school
Small steps add up. Over time, these habits build a strong foundation of resilience that supports your child’s physical and emotional health — naturally.
The Heart of Culver Pediatrics Center
Here in Culver, Indiana, we’re proud to bring the Veggies Over Pills philosophy to families who want to raise healthier, more mindful kids. Through prevention-based care and Lifestyle Medicine, Culver Pediatrics Center helps parents shift from reacting to illness to building wellness that lasts a lifetime. Let’s create a plan that supports your whole family’s wellness — one veggie (and one healthy habit) at a time.
