Kickstart Your Health

It has been shown in population studies and clinical research that a low-fat, plant-based diet can be very effective in promoting weight loss, among MANY other health benefits. Results are expected to be shocking. Based on the Physician Committee For Responsible Medicine's successful 21-Day Vegan Kickstart program, this program’s goal is to empower people to achieve a healthy weight and/or manage their weight with an abundance of grains, fruit, legumes, and vegetables. Attendees of the program obtain practical cooking skills and tips that make meals healthful and delicious. Upon the completion of the 7th and final class, attendees will receive a certificate of completion. Every attendee will be provided with useful literature and recipes to help make the transition to a low-fat plant-based diet as smooth as possible, including a cheat sheet with simple ingredient swaps.

7-CLASS SERIES
 Power of Your Plate
 Let’s Go!
 Getting in Gear
 Breaking the Food Seduction
 Keys for Natural Appetite Control
 Digestive Health
 Healthy Blood Pressure
 

*Each class will be taught from 6-8pm at Limelight Communication on Monday evenings.

POWER OF YOUR PLATE - Feb 3rd
More than one-third of adults in the U.S. are obese – a condition that can lead to many other health problems including diabetes, heart disease, and even increase one’s cancer risk. This introductory class will look at factors in foods for effective weight management. Discussion also includes how and why plant-based diets are beneficial for health in a multitude of ways. Suggestions and tips for plant-based breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snack foods are offered.

LET’S GO - Feb 10th
The second class includes a brief review of what was learned in the introductory class.
Attendees are also guided through how to read a food nutrition label and what components to look for. Helpful tips are given on how to easily follow a low-fat, high-fiber diet, and attendees are challenged to build their menu for the next week.

GETTING IN GEAR - Feb 17th
Changing one’s diet can be especially difficult when dining out for the very first time. Adopting a plant-based diet does not have to mean limited options – in fact, you may discover you really like a lot of new foods that were not previously a part of your diet. This class offers attendees guidance on what to order within a variety of restaurant cuisines.

BREAKING THE FOOD SEDUCTION - Feb 24th
Ever wonder why after eating copious amounts of sweets or cheese, you still crave more? It’s related to how these foods influence our brain chemistry. Discover how sugar, dairy products, and meat products are unfavorable for healthy weight management as well as why they have addictive qualities. Suggestions on how to best avoid the temptation of these foods are discussed.

KEYS FOR NATURAL APPETITE CONTROL - March 3rd
Plant foods, not animal products, contain fiber. Fiber is important because it keeps you fuller for longer and lowers your cholesterol. Ideally, you should aim for 40 grams of fiber each day. Taking care to eat an abundance of low-fat, high-fiber, plant foods can help you reach your health goals such as maintaining a healthy weight or lowering your cholesterol level.

DIGESTIVE HEALTH - March 10th
Learn how certain foods can negatively affect your digestion. Certain foods that trigger digestive problems are dairy products, wheat products, caffeinated beverages, refined sugars and sweeteners, and fatty foods. Take away some tips on how to remedy any digestive issues you’ve encountered in the past. Suggestions will be provided on which foods are best to avoid and which foods will help make your transition into a healthful diet much more comfortable.

HEALTHY BLOOD PRESSURE - March 24th
In the final class of the full series, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about which foods raise blood pressure as well as which foods lower and regulate blood pressure. Attendees are encouraged to have their blood pressure checked before starting a plant-based diet and after. The results are quite motivational