Bellevue College ‘You Are What You Eat’ Class

Once a quarter, I have the honor of teaching ‘You Are What You Eat’ at Bellevue College. This isn’t something I could have predicted a decade ago. I was like most Americans, shopping from the middle aisles of the grocery store, looking for what products might stay on my shelf so I didn’t have to go back to the store that often.

After learning the power of raw foods and a plant-based diet, the natural next step is to share it with others. For the past three generations, we’ve been consuming packaged ‘food’ that’s taken a toll on our health and our looks. My triglycerides were so high my doctor wanted to put me on medication. Within 2 1/2 months of eating a plant-based, whole foods diet, the numbers returned to normal (without medication!). An experience like this is incredibly empowering… knowing that you can improve your health by the choices you make every time you eat.

Food habits start early and I’m especially happy when young people come to my class wanting to learn how to properly feed their bodies. I remember my nephew watching me eat veggie burgers 30 years ago. He said, “I’ll eat that way when I’m your age but not now!” Well, he’s over 30 years old now and his diet hasn’t changed. Unfortunately, it takes illness for a lot of people to change their diet.

Bravo to all the young people who do what it takes to eat healthier food than the Standard American Diet (SAD). And bravo to the parents who instill healthy foods from the start.

Next class begins April 25, 2013