Hans Diehl

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Biography:
– Born in Germany
– Credited early interest in healthy lifestyle to Seventh-day Adventist Church
– Was research and education director at Pritikin Longevity Center
– Founded Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) in 1988
– Established Lifestyle Medicine Institute in Loma Linda, California

Career and Achievements:
– Obtained Master of Public Health and Doctor of Health Science from Loma Linda University
– Professor of preventative medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine
– Promoted The Optimal Diet, a whole-food plant-based diet
– Speaker at 35th World Vegetarian Congress in 2002
– Inducted in North American Vegetarian Society’s Vegan Hall of Fame in 2015

Programs and Contributions:
– CHIP program advocates whole-food plant-based diet
– Emphasizes diet low in cholesterol, fat, oil, processed sugar, and salt
– Promotes exercise, kindness, and sleep
– Lifestyle Medicine Institute enhances knowledge of lifestyle’s role in health
– The Optimal Diet is described as almost devoid of overly processed and refined products

Legacy and Recognition:
– Books translated into 36 languages with over two million copies sold
– CHIP program later renamed Pivio Health
– Died from AFib-related stroke at Loma Linda University Medical Center in 2023
– Renowned health advocate in the field of lifestyle medicine
– Contributions recognized by various organizations and publications

Personal Life:
– Lifelong Seventh-day Adventist
– Became lacto-ovo vegetarian in 1967, adopted whole-food plant-based diet in 1997
– Married to Lily Pan Diehl, had two children
– Involved in music through wife’s profession as a pianist and singer
– Known for his commitment to a healthy lifestyle and promotion of plant-based diets

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