For Dr. Ron Stout, the President and CEO of Ardmore Institute of Health and home of Full Plate Living, the mission of promoting whole person care and lifestyle medicine is more than a professional calling—it is a family tradition. Long before modern wellness trends took hold, his grandmother, Beatrice S. Stout, was already a vocal advocate for a holistic approach to living. Her writings from the 1960s serve as a foundation for the whole health principles that Dr. Stout continues to champion today.

The Foundations of Well-being

In her 1963 reflections, Beatrice emphasized that maintaining physical health is a primary responsibility that requires consistent effort rather than quick fixes. She identified several core habits necessary for a vibrant life:

• The Power of Environment: She believed that access to fresh air and natural sunlight were essential remedies for the body.
• Physical Activity and Rest: She taught that exercise is vital for healthy circulation, while quality sleep provides the body with the time it needs to repair itself.
• Hydration Habits: Beatrice recommended drinking six glasses of water daily and advised drinking them between meals to support optimal digestion.
• A Nutritious Diet: She viewed the variety of grains, fruits, and vegetables available in nature as the best fuel for the body, noting that what we eat directly impacts health.
• Mental Harmony: Recognizing the connection between the mind and body, she advocated for a sense of spiritual peace to help manage the tensions of daily life.

Practical Health in Every Home

Beatrice’s advocacy was grounded in the reality of family life. In 1965, she shared her philosophy on how to eat well even when the monthly budget was tight. She believed that nutritious food should be both accessible and enjoyable to prepare. Her approach focused on using basic vegetable and legume staples to create hearty, fiber and protein-rich meals that satisfied the whole family. To celebrate this heritage of practical wellness, we are featuring one of her signature recipes below.

Hearty Vegetable Soup

Adapted from Beatrice S. Stout’s 1965 column on Economical Cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 cup split peas
• 2 quarts salted water
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 2 medium onions, diced
• 2 cups potatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 tablespoon margarine
• 2 cups stewed tomatoes
• Milk of choice

Directions

In a large pot, bring split peas and water to a boil. Add carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes, then reduce the heat. Simmer for about 20-30 minutes. Add parsley, margarine, and stewed tomatoes. Cook until the split peas are tender. Then thin to the preferred consistency with milk.

A Legacy of Gratitude

We want to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Ron Stout and the entire Stout family. Your family’s long-standing dedication to being advocates for true health care has left an indelible mark on the field of lifestyle medicine. By teaching that health is a conscious pursuit and a daily choice, you have helped countless individuals discover the path to a more radiant and fulfilling life.

Your Legacy

As you reflect on your health journey, remember that even the smallest steps can have a profound impact — not just on your own well-being, but also on the lives of your family and friends. By leading by example, just as Beatrice did, you create a ripple effect of health and vitality that can inspire others for generations to come.

At Full Plate Living, we want to support you on this journey, helping you create a positive, lasting legacy of health for yourself and those you love.

If you are ready to take the next step, we invite you to join our free Full Plate Living online program today. Full Plate Living is a free service provided by Ardmore Institute of Health, dedicated to helping you live your most vibrant life.