PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION What is it about unhealthy food that keeps us coming back for more? Spoiler alert: It’s not only the taste. Staying on track can feel like a herculean effort in our modern food environment.

In our upcoming three-session series with Jen Howk, PhD, author, researcher, and interdisciplinary social scientist, we’ll cut through the guilt and explore compassionate strategies to overcome common pitfalls in healthy eating. At the root is the concept of The Pleasure Trap, described by Douglas J. Lisle, PhD, and Alan Goldhamer, DC, in their book of the same name as the hidden forces in modern life that drive us toward pleasure and away from pain with the least amount of effort. 

Join us for these engaging and reassuring sessions this fall to learn how to identify strategies that fit your personality, ways to navigate social pressures, and how to embrace progress over perfection. 

Navigating the Pleasure Trap in the Real World with Jen Howk, PhD Wednesdays, October 19, 26, and November 2, 6:30 - 7:30 PM - Online Co-presented with HeartSmarts Suggested donation - register here

		A Safe Space to Share: For ongoing support on your plant-based journey, turn to our virtual Nutrition Support Circle. In November, we’ll debrief our Thanksgiving experiences and talk strategies for the rest of the holiday season. Each session is a chance to share what is or isn’t working, ask for help, and support others. The group is facilitated by Lori Pitkowsky, LSW, and Denise Bassin, PhD. Register here for our next session.
		Peer Mentorship: Did you know that PPMNY offers month-long mentorship for one-on-one guidance? Learn more about our volunteer-based Lifestyle Mentorship program for New York metro-area residents.

Next week, leaders from across the country will convene in Washington, DC, for the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, with the goal "to end hunger and increase healthy eating and physical activity by 2030, so that fewer Americans experience diet-related diseases like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension." The last conference like this, held in the 1960's, led to the creation of the WIC program, greatly expanded the Food Stamps program (now SNAP), and created nutrition labeling standards, among many other things.

Earlier this summer, our staff, volunteers, and advisors came together to discuss our recommendations to the White House. You can read PPMNY’s submission here.

Watch this historic conference via livestream from wherever you have online access: Sign up here to receive the link. Or if you’re local, come out to our conference watch party in Astoria complete with a potluck lunch:
 

Then, on October 6th, join us as a community to reflect on the solutions presented and discuss how our movement can contribute to the future of food policy.

Up next in our monthly heart health series is a conversation with cardiologist Hooman Yaghoobzadeh, MD. Learn how Dr. Yaghoobzadeh sees the role of nutrition in cardiovascular health and the evidence behind the healing power of whole plant foods.

Our virtual potlucks bring you closer to community members without leaving the comfort of your home. It’s a chance to share what you create in the kitchen and get ideas for what to try next. Here’s what a few potluck fans had to say to entice you to join the fun:

We're busy this weekend! Come find us at:

La semana pasada, nuestro equipo de la comunidad latina de PPMNY habló sobre las complejidades de estar de vacaciones y seguir una dieta basada en plantas. ¡Mira la grabación para obtener algunos consejos y trucos valiosos!		On Sunday, jumpstart participants joined Kim Siansky, PPMNY Organizer & Mentor, to find cooking inspiration among the variety of fruits and vegetables available at the Upper West Side Greenmarket.

On Sunday, Chef Carole Levy went back to the basics. She shared recipes that made her transition to a plant-based lifestyle easier, including a creamy caesar dressing and marinara sauce. Watch the replay here.		Here’s a peek at the quick vegetable curry, green velvet soup, and south of the border salad Chef Carole created during our Food for Life class with HeartSmarts on Wednesday.

On Monday, community members gathered for a PPMNY fundraiser hosted by Anita Mancini and Enrica Sacca at The Lifestyle Building in Astoria, Queens. Guests enjoyed a plant-powered feast from local restaurants and heard special guest Lillie Rosenthal, DO, (pictured at right in the top left photo) interviewing jumpstart graduate Wanda Radetti (pictured top right) about her fascinating story and health improvements.

Get inspired to make compost! Gather at the garden to learn, network, and have fun with all things soil health. Take part in creative workshops, community networking tables, activity tables, compost demonstrations, and more. 

For those celebrating, we wish you a sweet and healthy Rosh HaShanah!