Kickstart Your Health

Five-Class Series

Introductory Class: Introduction lecture by Barnard Medical Center Physician

Class 1: The Power of Your Plate The first class in this series will focus on getting ready to start a low-fat, plant-based diet. Expect that some people will be overwhelmed and need a week to consider what this diet entails, what groceries to purchase, and what a healthful menu will look like. When your students leave this class, they should consider the next seven days a week of preparation, and then after Class 2, they will jump into the diet.
 
Class 2: Let’s Go! After a week of preparation and today’s lesson, students will have all the tools they need to start a low-fat, plant-based diet for the next three weeks. It will be good to go around the room and see how everyone did in their preparatory week of food shopping and meal planning. Encourage students to share their successes and challenges.
 
Class 3: Getting in Gear Your students are embarking on their second week of the Kickstart. They will be experts in some areas and novices in others. Opening up the room for discussion is key! Allow the students to congratulate and coach each other. Some will share great results: increased energy, weight loss, clearer skin. They should discuss what seems to be working. Others may share challenges: decreased energy, gas, frequent hunger. These students may be experiencing a “detox” phase that will pass and lead to much better days. As the instructor, be prepared to address these concerns.
 
Class 4: Breaking the Food Seduction By now, students are a couple of weeks into the program. You will probably hear comments like, “I don’t miss anything except cheese!” or “My weakness is doughnuts!” Today’s lesson will go over why these foods, and not broccoli, seem addictive and what we can do to break those addictions. If Class 4 is the last class in your series, be sure to send them away prepared for their third and final week of the Kickstart program.
 
Class 5: Keys for Natural Appetite Control If your students have been following the 21-day approach, and your classes have been weekly, then they will have been following a vegan diet for three weeks by Class 5. Be sure to congratulate them on the process!