Native Food for
Life Online

Native Food for Life Online is a free, six-class program developed by PCRM and others which is designed to prevent and even reverse type 2 diabetes. This series teaches culturally relevant, plant-based eating habits for individuals, families, communities, and workplaces affected by type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or gestational diabetes. Participants learn how plant-based nutrition can help prevent and reverse these conditions.

I’ve facilitated multiple sessions of Native Food for Life Online is, a free six-class program designed to prevent and even reverse diabetes. This series teaches culturally relevant, plant-based eating habits for individuals, families, communities, and workplaces affected by type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or gestational diabetes. Participants learn how plant-based nutrition can help prevent and reverse these conditions. 

Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet 

A plant-based diet is linked to a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes as well as other chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer. For those who already have type 2 diabetes, a plant-based diet has been shown to reduce A1c (blood sugar), along with blood pressure, cholesterol, and extra weight. The need for medication also drops, and consultation with your health care professional is important as you transition into this diet and lifestyle.  

What You Will Learn

The program features cooking demos, nutrition lessons, and online discussions. Over the course of six 75-minute online classes, you will learn about the significant connection between food and diabetes, gain new cooking skills, try new recipes, and build new habits. You will gain the knowledge, skills, and support needed to make and sustain significant dietary changes. These changes can prevent and, in many cases, turn diabetes around. 

Rainbow
Corns

The Six Classes 

  • The Power to Heal Diabetes in Indian Country 
  • The Power of Your Plate 
  • Blue Zones and the Magic 8 
  • Grains, Beans, and More 
  • The Story of 2 Sisters (A Lesson About Digestion!) 
  • Virtual Potluck and Graduation 

Please contact me if you are interested in taking this course, and we’ll set something up when we have enough participants!

A Collaboration Between Experts

This program was initially developed as a 12-week program at the request of the Navajo Nation Special Diabetes Program. It was created with assistance from nutritionists and nutrition experts at the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.  

Clinicians and staff members at Sacred Peaks Medical Center, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA)/Lasting Indigenous Family Life (L.I.F.E.), and Kinlani Bordertown Dormitory in Flagstaff, AZ, piloted this program and contributed further content. The American Indian Institute, University of Oklahoma College of Continuing Education is a partner in this series and offered the Native Food for Life Online program in July and November of 2021.