THRIVING WITH WHOLE FOODS:
CLASSES AND COACHING

Are you hungry for more energy, greater vitality, lower disease risk, ideal weight and/or overall improved health? Then looking at what you eat is a smart place to start. Whether your primary question is:

  • “Why would I want to add more plant-based whole foods to my diet?”
  • “I want to make the switch, but how do I do it?”
  • “What the heck are raw and living foods anyway?”

...or one of countless others, my lectures, coaching sessions and tasting classes can provide answers.

Real Food...Mostly Plants:  Nutrition Lectures

  • Fees vary with site and number of participants;
    contact me for details

These slide-show-based presentations are especially appropriate for work-based wellness programs, community groups, faith congregations and health-education settings. Based on current scientific research, each lecture provides compelling evidence for adopting a plant-based approach to eating. Topics include:

Plants are for Eating!

~ Presented as a single lecture or as a series, the sponsoring organization or group can choose the specific topics for me to address, such as: the role of a plant-based diet in preventing and reversing certain diseases; protein facts and fallacies; why fats from plants are preferable; escaping the Pleasure Trap; eating for colon health; and, plant-based diets for peak physical performance.

Why Raw?

~ This 20-minute introduction to the benefits of raw and living foods reviews diet-related disease trends and introduces the concepts of nutrient and calorie density; essential micro-nutrients; the role of enzymes; and, acid-alkaline balance. I also offer raw/living food treats for participants to sample.

Whole Raw

~ In my two-hour presentation I emphasize the long-term health benefits of a largely or exclusively raw and living foods diet. The content explores each of the introductory topics in greater depth as well as offers information on the effects of heat on food, such as nutrient loss and the formation of new and unhealthy substances. This lecture is usually punctuated with a raw food stretch break!


Plant-Based & Raw Food Coaching

Coaching is the perfect solution for individuals, couples and families who want some in-person assistance in adding more plant-based and raw/living foods to their lives. My services can range from a single get-you-started consultation to a series of coaching sessions to help you transition to, fine-tune and maintain your plant-based lifestyle.

The Initial Consultation includes:

  • a review of your goals, objectives and eating history
  • priority-setting
  • anticipating and planning for challenges
  • action steps, either for coaching sessions or for you to take on your own

All Coaching Sessions (a la carte and series) are customized to meet your individual needs/interests and may include:

  • the science of plant-based & raw food nutrition
  • food preparation demonstrations (see topics under Raw Tasting Classes)
  • recipes
  • educational materials/binders
  • shopping tours of your local health food store
  • resources/recommendations for tools, equipment and ingredients
  • kitchen transitions to help make the plant-based/raw food way an easy and natural part of your life

Raw Tasting Classes

My raw/living food gatherings are a fun and delicious way for groups of 3 to 8 friends, coworkers or relatives to experience what for most is a new type of cuisine. Both culinary and nutritional in approach, my small group classes include food prep demonstration, foods to sample & enjoy, nutrition education, and recipes and resources to take home. Topics to choose from include:

  • Appetizers and 1st Courses
  • Leafy Greens...Beyond Salads (and some salad ideas, too)!
  • Soups for All Seasons
  • Green Smoothies
  • Sprouting 101
  • Sea Vegetables (yes, Sea Vegetables!)
  • Breakfasts & Nut Mylks
  • Global Entrees (Italian, South of the Border, Southeast Asian, Indian)
  • Dehydrated Delicacies
  • (Everyone’s Favorite) Desserts

"Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

~ Michael Pollan

What is a plant-based diet?

A plant-based diet relies on whole, plant foods. This includes fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. It does not include processed or refined products, like frozen foods, refined flours & sugars, or fried foods.

What about protein?

A plant-based whole foods diet easily provides ample protein which, by the way, is only about 10% for humans. Believe it or not, vegetables contain protein!

What’s the difference between raw and living foods?

Raw and living foods are whole, plant foods (vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and sprouted grains & legumes) that have not been heated above, approximately, 118 degrees F. While they both contain enzymes, “living” foods are considered to boast a greater amount, such as in sprouted nuts, seeds and grains, and unpasteurized fermented foods.

What are some of the benefits of eating a plant-based diet?

Independent, peer-reviewed research has found that people who eat a whole-food plant-based diet benefit from:

  • a significantly lower risk of developing diseases of affluence, namely heart disease, diabetes, cancer and their related illnesses;
  • the potential to reverse these same diseases of affluence;
  • increased energy & vitality; and,
  • optimal body weight without calorie counting.