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From an early age, immersed in the world of competitive sports, the young prodigy, Rich J. Kilchrist, developed a profound fascination with the myriad variables influencing athletic performance. His curiosity was particularly piqued by the intricate interplay between the nutritional composition, metabolism, absorption, and the biochemical reactions elicited within the human body through the strategic inclusion or exclusion of both macro and micronutrients. This fascination extended into exploring how these nutrients catalyzed various systemic responses related to digestion and the degradation of metabolites.
His interest in how specific nutrients could enhance athletic prowess, coupled with the synergistic effects of various physical training modalities on dietary intake, led him to become his own experimental subject. Through meticulous documentation in personal journals of dietary intake and performance metrics, he empirically validated that athletes employing scientifically sound nutritional strategies could indeed secure a competitive advantage, witnessing consistent, predictable, and safe enhancements in performance. This approach not only led to a plethora of victories and accolades but also established him as a beacon for others striving to achieve personal and competitive fitness objectives.
Transitioning from this autodidactic phase to a professional realm, Rich, as a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Nutritionist, further honed his expertise, particularly during his tenure at an oncology center nestled by the bayous of Southern Louisiana in 1997. Here, he collaborated closely with a cadre of medical professionals involved in administering chemotherapy, radiation, and stem cell transplant therapies. This environment provided an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the nuances of disease-specific nutritional challenges, particularly how to optimize nutrient intake amidst complex pharmaceutical regimens that often impeded absorption.

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Engaging deeply with the “Physician’s Desk Reference,” Rich became well-versed in the pharmacology pertinent to his practice, mastering the intricacies of drug biochemistry, mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, clinical trial data, potential side effects, and warnings. His studies also illuminated the concept of off-label uses of pharmaceuticals, where drugs like Oxymetholone (Anadrol), primarily indicated for anemia, showed potential in treating conditions such as osteoporosis, HIV/AIDS wasting, and for promoting muscle growth and weight gain. However, his suggestions for such applications were met with resistance, leading to patient care that was both more costly and less effective, as multiple medications were prescribed to address symptoms that could potentially be managed with a single, albeit off-label, drug.
This experience underscored the broader systemic issues within healthcare, where the focus often deviates from genuine health improvement towards more economically driven outcomes, resulting in patient suffering, financial ruin, and sometimes, loss of life. His observations and critiques on these matters are further elaborated in his blog, which serves as a platform for discussing the ethical and practical implications of current medical practices.
Rich J. Kilchrist, through his journey from a competitive athlete to a respected professional in clinical nutrition, exemplifies a commitment to advancing health through a profound understanding of both the science and the human aspect of medicine.

We cultivate an individualized long-term plan made specifically for you and stay with you every step of the way to encourage, motivate and alter the plan as your needs change all the way to victory!
Arbor Vitae Nutrition Consulting: A Paradigm in Weight Management and Lifestyle Transformation
Introduction
Founded in 1997, Arbor Vitae Nutrition Consulting (AVNC) has emerged as a distinguished entity in the domain of nutritional science, extending its services across a spectrum of U.S. healthcare institutions including hospitals, medical centers, provider groups, and health systems. AVNC’s approach amalgamates structured dietary regimes, physical exertion protocols, and transformative lifestyle adjustments. In a more recent development, AVNC has pioneered a self-directed program accessible online, augmented by optional telephonic coaching support. In 2012, AVNC’s collaboration with Healthcare Solutions, an organization distinct from the pharmaceutical sector, aimed at enhancing the healthcare experience for patients, providers, and payers.
The Fat Reduction and Muscle Building Plan
Program Overview:
This initiative by AVNC is designed to facilitate not only weight reduction but also its sustainable maintenance. Participants are guided through a journey of lifestyle modification, focusing on reducing dietary fat intake, enhancing consumption of fruits and vegetables, and augmenting physical activity. The program underscores the adoption of behavioral changes crucial for weight management and broader health optimization.
Weight-Loss Plans:
AVNC’s PLAN offers a continuum of program modalities tailored to varying levels of structure:
- Clinical Supervision Plan: Incorporates in-person medical oversight and direct coaching, ideal for those requiring intensive support.
- Flexible Options: These can be pursued with or without medical supervision in clinical settings, or through “at-home” plans, which cater to self-motivated individuals.
Program Structure:
- Phase 1 (Weight Loss): This initial phase targets rapid weight loss through the substitution of conventional meals and snacks with HMR foods, complemented by an introduction to regular physical activity.
- Phase 2 (Weight Management): Here, the focus shifts towards long-term weight management strategies, equipping participants to navigate dietary challenges in social, gastronomic, or travel scenarios.
Program Outcomes:
- In-Clinic Data: Extensive research has substantiated the effectiveness of AVNC’s clinic-based interventions. Weight loss outcomes have ranged impressively from 43 to 66 pounds within 12 to 26 weeks, with some studies documenting losses exceeding 100 pounds, averaging over 130 pounds. The Healthy Diet plan under clinical supervision has shown losses between 28 to 37.5 pounds over similar durations.
- At-Home Data: Two randomized controlled trials have validated the efficacy of AVNC’s home-based program. Participants engaging in weekly phone coaching achieved weight loss comparable to those in traditional clinic settings, averaging 28 pounds at 6 months. An additional study on participants following the PLAN at home without coaching support reported an average weight reduction of 13 pounds in 12 weeks.
Conclusion:
Arbor Vitae Nutrition Consulting exemplifies a sophisticated, evidence-based approach to weight management and health enhancement. By integrating clinical rigor with practical, accessible solutions, AVNC not only addresses the immediate need for weight control but also instills the knowledge and behaviors necessary for lifelong health management.plan that includes medical supervision and face-to-face coaching. Individuals may also choose less structured options which can be done with or without medical supervision in a clinic setting. The PLAN also offers several “at home” weight-loss plans.
All Programs are divided into two phases:
- Phase 1 (weight loss): The goal is to lose weight quickly by replacing current meals and snacks with HMR foods (and fruits and vegetables on some plans) while beginning to incorporate regular physical activity.
- Phase 2 (weight management): Participants learn more strategies to manage their weight over the long term as they face “real world” eating challenges such as socializing, dining out, or traveling.
Program outcomes
In-clinic outcome data
There have been several published studies documenting the outcomes of the Plan.The clinic-based Diet has the largest published weight losses ranging from 43 – 66 pounds in 12 – 26 weeks. Two studies have reported on weight losses of 100 pounds or more with the average weight loss over 130 pounds. The clinic-based Healthy Diet has reported weight losses ranging from 28 – 37.5 pounds in 12 – 26 weeks.
The PLAN at Home weight loss-data
Two randomized controlled trials on The PLAN weight loss program found that participants in the phone/online-based program (receiving weekly coaching by phone) lost as much weight as those in a traditional face-to-face clinic. In both studies, participants in the phone coaching program lost an average of 28 pounds at 6 months. Another randomized study found that participants using The PLAN at Home without any additional coaching lost an average of 13 pounds in 12 weeks.









