Diana Cullum-Dugan, R.D., L.D.N., R.Y.T., of Namaste Nutrition, will present a free talk, Veg 101, from 6 to 7 p.m. on May 23 at the Center for Integrative Healing, in Watertown. In discussing vegetarianism and plant-based diets, Cullum-Duggan will touch on such topics as vitamin and mineral needs, appropriate food choices and the ideal sources and proportions of dietary protein, fat and carbohydrates. “I’ll also answer questions like ‘What the heck is a wheat berry, and what’s quinoa?’” she says. “And I’ll talk about the benefits of nuts, smoothies and juicing.”

Cullum-Duggan says research has proven that vegetarians are healthier than omnivores, with fewer incidents of heart disease, strokes, diabetes, cancer and obesity. “Even if you don’t aspire to be 100-percent vegetarian, moving toward a plant-based approach can bring you closer to your most optimal level of health,” she says. “Today there are many options that make it easy and tasty to follow plant-based diets.”

Participants are encouraged to arrive early to hold a seat. There is ample free parking behind the Center.

The Center for Intregrative Healing is located at 23 Main St., Watertown. For more information, call 617-393-2200 or visit NamasteNutrition.net.