Food for Life: Diabetes Initiative

Classes meet 4 times on Thursday, 8/5/21 through 8/26/21, from 6 pm until 8 pm.

Each class includes handouts, a PCRM video, cooking demonstration of 3 or 4 recipes, and interactive discussion.

Every registrant will be offered a promotion code to bring a friend for free.

Class 1: How Foods Fight Diabetes

The road to diabetes does not have to be a one-way street. There is reason for hope! People who eat plant-based meals are less likely to ever develop diabetes, and for those who have diabetes, plant-based meals can help to improve blood sugar levels and prevent complications. These meals are affordable and can be quite delicious and satisfying. Review the latest science behind this approach, consider some simple ideas for getting started, watch the preparation of four dishes, and explore useful resources.

Class 2: Understanding Type 2 Diabetes

New research shows that reducing the fat we eat helps to reduce the fat that can build up in muscle cells, which can improve the body’s ability to use insulin. Common dietary fat-lowering techniques, such as taking the skin off the chicken or switching to low-fat milk, do not go far enough in reducing the total amount of fat for many people to really repair this underlying problem in type 2 diabetes. Fortunately, the Power Plate foods are all naturally low in fat. I'll demonstrate several flavorful dishes that are sure to become favorites— chances are good you won’t even miss the fat.

Class 3: Designing a Diet for Maximum Weight Control

This is not a “diet” that asks you to walk around hungry or feel deprived. How can you lose weight, if needed, without skipping meals or limiting your portions? In a word, it’s all about FIBER. Plant-foods have it, animal foods do not. Fiber is what makes us feel full, and, as a bonus, it also helps to control blood sugar levels, protects against certain cancers, and, of no small importance, it keeps us “regular.” Learn to comfortably fill up on whole foods and watch the pounds melt away. I'll make some delicious high-fiber dishes.

Class 4: Using the Glycemic Index

We have all heard that white bread is bad, and whole wheat bread is better, but do you know why? You may have also heard that people with diabetes should avoid pasta and fruit. That nutrition myth and others will be explored. By learning a few simple rules, you’ll be an expert in choosing those foods that will hold your blood sugar levels steady and give you the nutrition you need for good health. Learn to prepare some dishes that are energizing and that will never leave you with a blood-sugar spike and crash after your meal.