Kickstart 1: Power of Your Plate (March 7)- The first class of our 5-class series presents an overview of the latest evidence-based medical literature on nutrition and health. Diabetes, cholesterol, weight management, and nutritional fats are particularly covered. Following our lecture Kelsey will lead us in a demonstration of 3 delicious recipes, talking through tips and tricks along the way. We also have time built into the evening for discussing as a group (even on zoom!) about ideas for recipes throughout our next week; beginning to consider what alternatives would look like and getting us ready for Class 2: Let’s Go

Kickstart 2: Let’s Go!- (March 14) The second class of our 5-class series presents a continued overview of the latest evidence-based medical literature on nutrition and health. Protein, calcium, food labels, natural sugars vs. processed sugar, blood sugar regulation, fiber, and strategies for giving change a try are particularly covered. Following our lecture Kelsey will lead us in a demonstration of 3 delicious recipes. This week we’ll also work together to create plans for each of us to give next week a try, all plants, or…as many as you desire! I’ll offer several of our family’s favorite recipes and rhythms and talk through what we’ve found helpful, especially as we first considered eating all plants, and together as a group we can share ideas and make a plan. Following this class we’ll all go to the store (or do grocery pick-up!) with our week of plants planned.

Kickstart 3: Settling into Gear- (March 21) The third class of our 5-class series continues to tie the pieces together and offers an in-depth overview of type 2 diabetes and covers strategies for eating out with friends and family while focused on plants. Following our lecture Kelsey will lead a demonstration of 3 delicious recipes and discussion reviewing how week 1 of plants (or as many plants you set as your goal) went. We’ll celebrate and troubleshoot to get ready for week 2 of plants. I’ll offer our answers to the same challenges and talk through new recipes to consider for next week. Following this class, we’ll all go to the store (or do grocery pick-up) with our week of plants planned, our favorites on repeat and our curiosities in the line-up.

Kickstart 4: Food Seduction- (March 28) The fourth class of our 5-class series is exciting as we’ve all been doing the plant journey together for two weeks now. There’s much to talk about, share, wonder and game plan. The lecture focuses on the fascinating reality of chemicals in some foods that literally cause an addiction experience. We learn about this, what to do about it, and we share recipes and ideas for our 3rd and final structured week of plants. Following this class, we’ll all go to the store (or do grocery pick-up) ready to challenge food seduction anew.

Kickstart 5: Natural Appetite Control- (April 4) The fifth class of our 5-class series is the celebration to our finale of 3 structured weeks together on a plant journey. During this class we’ll debrief our experience, share tips and tricks with one another, and talk through what our plans are moving forward encouraging one another to be intentional in thinking about how we would like to see our eating in the future. There is no one size fits all, everyone has our own journeys, paths, family experiences, cultural engagements and desires. The lecture is fascinating and addresses natural appetite control and how fiber—plants—actually results in fewer calories being absorbed as well as chemical signaling from our stomach to our brain for fullness. Following our lecture, we get to enjoy a demonstration of 3 simple recipes that will be a good add to any potluck or snack need. If the weather is warm enough or classmates desire to work with a different time/date, we can open this class up to an in-person class at Gardenworks Farm for those that are local with a potluck celebration!

~Looking forward to learning, wondering, discussing and grabbing the bull by its horns together~

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Food for Life is an award-winning nutrition education and cooking class program that provides an innovative approach to diet-related chronic diseases. Since 2001, Food for Life has been a pioneer in delivering hands-on information about the direct role of plant-based nutrition in health and disease prevention to communities around the world.

Designed by physicians, nurses, and registered dietitians at the Physician’s Committe for Responsible Medicine in Washington D.C., Food for Life promotes healthful eating based on the latest scientific research. Each Food for Life class includes:

• Specific information about how certain foods and nutrients work to promote or discourage disease

• Cooking demonstrations of delicious and healthful recipes

• Practical cooking skills and tips for incorporating healthful eating habits into daily life

• A supportive and motivational atmosphere to empower participants to take charge of their health with the foods that are put on their plates

• Curriculum includes courses on heart health, diabetes, cancer prevention, memory, digestive health, fitness, weight management, and more