Registration open for Healthy Eating Adventure program
28-day program aims to educate participants about a whole foods, plant-based lifestyle
Local physician assistant Sarah Determan says she has changed her way of eating since participating in the Healthy Eating Adventure about four years ago, and she now serves as a coach for the program which promotes a plant-based diet.
The HEA is a project of the Foundation of Yuma Regional Medical Center and is a community-based, 28-day program to educate participants on a whole foods, plant-based lifestyle.
Determan said she has worked as a physician assistant to Dr. (Ismael) Guerrero for over a decade before becoming involved with the HEA.
“Actually it started after my daughter got sick with cancer and we wanted to eat a little healthier,” Determan said. “I think that’s kind of like everyone’s story at the very beginning is they want to eat healthier. For me it’s that, but then it kind of evolved and then I thought as a health professional, I really need to step up my game so to speak.”
“I am not the best at eating healthy,” Determan added. “I think I’ve improved since I’ve been with the program. Now I try to get into it so I can promote to my patients to eat healthier and let them know they have options and they don’t have to just eat fast food even though we live a fast-paced life.”
The program will begin at 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, at Trinity United Methodist Church. Registration is required to attend the first meeting. The admission ticket is $20, plus a small Eventbrite service charge, which pays for a catered meal that participants are served the first night, HEA program coordinator Judy Gresser said.
It is noted in the release that the HEA is able to bring this program to Yuma due to a grant from the Sturges Charitable Trust. The HEA is also able to provide scholarships for those who would otherwise be unable to participate in the program because of financial hardship.
As with past HEA’s, those participating in the upcoming program will meet five Mondays following the workday and classes are to end at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Gresser said cooking demonstrations as well as other educational materials will be delivered with the program.
For the duration of the 28 days, participants are to study Dr. Joel Fuhrman’s plant-based, nutrient-dense eating style and engage in healthy potlucks, she said. The HEA also has medical adviser Ricky Ochoa, MD.
Whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, fruits and vegetables are some of the foods incorporated into the HEA plant-based lifestyle. Determan says the lifestyle limits animal products, while not necessarily eliminating them. It discourages the use of processed foods and reduces consumption of fat, sodium and sugar.
“I’ve always been a meat eater,” Determan said. “But now, I am trying to make healthier choices. Some people say it’s really hard and difficult and I guess at first it kind of was, but there are so many options while you are doing this. There are plenty of beans, plenty of legumes and so forth. The class offers so many different demonstrations and recipes. You could really find something for every palate I think.”
Since she became a part of the HEA, Determan said she has gained more energy, a clearer sense of mind, healthy eating habits and an overall feeling of well-being.
“I feel great, I really really do,” Determan said. “I have not only incorporated better eating habits into my daily life but I am also doing more exercise. I feel better now than I did probably 10 years ago.”
While it was difficult at first not to eat as many animal products, Determan feels that the change is just a different way of eating.
“I think the biggest challenge was not eating meat or trying to avoid meat products and then learning how to cook vegan,” Determan said. “It was completely different. You don’t cook with oil, you cook with water and you try not to use the spray that you would normally cook with. You just end up having to cook with more vegetables and incorporating different spices to suit your taste.”
On average, Gresser said in a past statement that about 45 participants graduate from the program and each participant is assigned a coach. Participants will visit a lab for blood work and be privately and confidentially weighed as well as measured at the start and end of the program.
Teens under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Registration is on a first come, first serve basis.
“I am looking forward to this year,” Determan said. “I am looking forward to learning more things from my colleagues. We all just want to eat healthier and be healthier. That is my whole goal for this is to eat healthy and to pass on information that’s important to patients and friends.”
For more information on the HEA or to apply, email at HEAyuma@gmail.com.