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News & Events for Health Empowerment // September 8, 2022
Dear Plant Powered Community,
A number of us from PPMNY were thrilled to spend a few days learning about nutrition last month at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine's annual international conference.
As many parents are in back-to-school mode, I wanted to share with you some highlights of a fantastic talk about children's nutrition by acclaimed plant-based dietitian Brenda Davis.
Often I am asked about raising my kids on a whole food, plant-based diet. There is so much confusion about the adequacy of diets without animal foods — and many people feel that restricting what children eat will backfire.
Brenda's talk allayed so many of these fears. Here's just a small sample of what she said:
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All diets, regardless of what they are, need to be appropriately planned for children’s health.
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Thirty years of research has shown that kids raised as vegans grow normally, although growth may be slower, especially during the toddler years.
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Among German children eating different diets, vegan children had the highest intakes of fiber, vitamins B1, B6, C, E, and K, folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium, and the lowest intakes of sugar and saturated fat.
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Studies show that we should pay attention to calcium and Vitamin D intake in children because these can be low for vegan children. (That means leafy greens, beans, and sunshine!)
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Explaining Ellyn Satter's work on the "division of responsibilities," parents can feel confident naming what, when, and where to eat, while giving children the autonomy to name how much and whether to eat.
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It’s best to avoid food rewards and punishments.
But how to make healthy eating the norm in our homes is the biggest question of all. In addition to Brenda Davis' book Nourish: The Definitive Plant-Based Nutrition Guide for Families, another great resource is Dreena Burton's Plant-Powered Families cookbook (we like the name!), which is chock full of school lunch ideas and creative ways to set parameters with kids. Below is a sample recipe, courtesy of Dreena herself!
In vibrant health,
Lianna Levine Reisner Network Director
Apple Lentil Dal
The preparation for this dal-like dish is unfussy, yet the flavor is something more complex. Just a few subtle herbs and spices combined with sweet apples and earthy red lentils make this puree simply delectable. It is flavorful without being spicy-hot, so it is quite kid-friendly!
Serves 5–6 with brown rice and other accompaniments
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups plus 1 T water, divided
2 cups chopped onion
1–1 1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp dried oregano leaves
1/2–1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp dry (ground) mustard
1/2 tsp turmeric
2 cups red lentils, rinsed
1 medium apple, peeling optional, cored and cut into cubes about 1/2" (see note)
2 T freshly squeezed lemon juice
Crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste (optional; see note)
Instructions
1.
In a pot over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of the water, onion, sea salt, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, mustard, and turmeric. Stir through, cover, and cook for 4–5 minutes (keep an eye on it, and add another splash of water if the spices and onion are sticking).
2.
Remove the cover and add the lentils and remaining 3 1/2 cups water. Turn heat up to high, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once at a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes.
3.
After 12–15 minutes, add the apple and lemon juice, stir through, and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until the apple has softened a little but isn’t entirely mushy. Season with additional sea salt, or lemon juice if desired, and serve.
Apple Note: An apple that is not entirely sweet (ex: Braeburn or Honeycrisp) is preferable, but use what you have on hand!
Spicy Note: For adults, you can kick up the spice by either adding hot sauce at serving or adding crushed red pepper flakes (1/2–1 teaspoon) with the other dried spices at the beginning of cooking.
Serving Suggestions: This is delicious over brown short-grain or basmati rice, quinoa, or millet. When cooled, try spreading on tortillas or collard leaves for wraps.
Recipe courtesy of Dreena Burton, author of Plant-Powered Families
¡Mañana es el último día de registro!Este Reto es un programa virtual para empoderarte a aprender cómo cambiar tu plato y transformar tu salud para prevenir, tratar y en ocasiones revertir enfermedades crónicas como la hipertensión, colesterol alto, obesidad y la diabetes tipo 2. La inscripción al programa está abierta hasta el sábado 9 de septiembre.
Calendario del Reto Todos los tiempos son en hora del Este
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Introducción: lunes 12 de septiembre, 6:30 - 7:45 PM
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Sesiones educativas: viernes 16 de septiembre, lunes 19 de septiembre, y viernes 23 de septiembre, 6:30 - 7:45 PM
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Graduación y demostración culinaria: jueves 29 de septiembre, 6:30 - 7:45 PM
Talk through your challenges adapting to or maintaining a plant-based lifestyle. Join this safe and compassionate monthly session to discuss your motivations and struggles.
New to whole food, plant-based nutrition? Start here! This session will give you a foundation of knowledge and practical next steps to get started on your path to a plant-based lifestyle.
Aifra Ruiz, coach y organizadora latina, nos da consejos prácticos para disfrutar tus vacaciones sin dejar de lado tu salud y nutrición plant-based.El acceso al evento es por donación o gratis para cualquier persona que no pueda contribuir. ¡Elija la opción que más le convenga y únase a nosotros!
βA Taste of Health in the Plant Powered Garden Monday, September 19, 6:00 - 8:00 PM - Queens The Lifestyle Building, 28-38 42nd Street, Astoria $250 suggested donation/$75 minimum donation - get your seat Proceeds to benefit Plant Powered Metro New York Space is limited. RSVP by Friday, September 16.
ββAnita Mancini and Enrica Sacca cordially invite you to an evening benefiting PPMNY. βLearn with special guest Lillie Rosenthal, DO, Lifestyle Medicine Physiatrist and treat your tastebuds to plant-based perfection with:
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Globally-inspired sushi by Beyond Sushi
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Hearty mushroom masterpieces by Plant Daddy
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Plant-powered charcuterie board by Veg on Board
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Raw peppermint patty cake by Heidi's Health Kitchen
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Decadent cashew cheesecake by Healthy as a Motha
You’ll also find us at these community events:
Saturdays, September 10 & 24 11:00 - 11:30 AM - Harlem Saturdays on the Farm Hosted by Harlem Grown at their 127th Street farm
Sábado 17 de septiembre 12:00 - 5:00 PM - Queens Día de las Artes y Ciencia Presentado por la Corporación del Desarollo Económico en Queens, Corona Plaza, 103-14 Roosevelt Ave, Corona
Sunday, September 18 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Manhattan Fall Fitness Open House Hosted by Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan at 334 Amsterdam Ave at 76th Street
Saturday, September 25 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM - Brooklyn Community Healthy Lifestyle Fair Presented by SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University & Medical Center at 445 Lenox Road (at Brooklyn Ave.)
Last month, volunteers Myron White and Enrica Sacca (not pictured) talked about plant-powered nutrition with attendees of Zucker Hill Hospital’s Wellness Week event in Queens.
Last night, author Victoria Moran shared how her love of animals and struggles with food addiction led her to veganism and her lifelong work to guide others toward a life of compassion and vibrant health. Watch the replay here.
Make your way to Long Valley, NJ to learn how to regenerate your health and the health of our planet. Ethos Farm Project is hosting a transformative experience at their 342-acre farm that uses regenerative and organic farming practices. You’ll hear from Ron Weiss, MD, Ethos Farm Project founder and PPMNY Medical Advisor, alongside beloved plant-based nutrition pioneers T. Colin Campbell, PhD; Joel Fuhrman, MD; Michael Klaper, MD; and others.
If you’re interested in booking overnight accommodations, reach out to us at info@ppmny.org.
Our mailing address: Plant Powered Metro New York, PO Box 20771, New York NY 10025
Plant Powered Metro New York empowers people to find better health and overcome chronic disease through whole food, plant-based nutrition. We offer evidence-based education, resources, and support to create community and inspire change throughout the New York metropolitan area.