Nearly 200 people joined together to learn from the bubbly and energetic Julieanna Hever, MS., RD., C.P.T., host of Veria Living Network’s What Would Julianna Do?, author of The Complete Idiots Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition, The Vegierranean Diet, Co-author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Gluten-Free Vegan Cooking, (with Chef Beverly Lynn Bennett), and also columnist for VegNews Magazine, spoke at the Groves High School Auditorium in Southfield on March 31, 2016
Paul Chatlin, Founder of the Plant Based Nutritional Support Group and Dr. Kerrie Saunders welcomed the attendees and gave a brief synopsis of the organization, and dates for upcoming events. Dr. Joel Kahn talked about a trip to Italy slated for the group and explained that tabloids are still talking about studies done at the nutritional department of Cornell, was using bad scientific study to create a link between vegetarian diets and cancer.
In the Member Spotlight, Jennifer Kuzara spoke of her diagnosis of MS at 31 years old and the years of her declining health. When she implemented a vegan diet, she was noticeably healthier. Within one year she was running marathons and credits her ongoing plant based life-style for the ability to continue staying strong and healthy.
Hevers began her talk on Vegan Nutrition 101: Myths and Counter Points by thanking Paul Chatlin for bringing her to Michigan for the first time. Her presentation included information on the latest research done, concluding that vegetarian based diets are nutritionally dense enough to keep the general populace strong and healthy. She stated that phyto-chemicals are the most disease fighting nutrients available and there are none in animal products.
During her passionate presentation she stressed the importance of understanding that saturated fat and cholesterol are mainly found in animal products and that the USDA food plate separates protein into a food group. “We don’t need as much as what people are told and explains that 10% of our total calories is really all that is necessary.” She explained that her husband is a doctor, (kidney specialist), and that excessive protein can create kidney disease.
She further explains that when compared by calorie, Broccoli has twice as much protein as steak, and continued to show slides available on her website that give the details on other common foods as well.
Dairy inhibits iron absorption, and shows once again that the mineral is found more in plants like low oxalate greens, legumes, pumpkin seeds fortified cereals, breads and grains as well as blackstrap molasses than meat.
“Bone health is way more complicated than calcium”, she states. “Keep drinking milk and eating calcium, but if your body can’t absorb it, you’re doing it for nothing. Bone is live tissue and constantly rebuilding. Weight baring exercise and a combination of nutrients, including vitamin D are necessary to gain absorption of the mineral.”
She went on to explain other myths about gluten, and other pertinent information that is often misrepresented by food producers and the concern for misinterpretations.
She touched on allergy solutions, immunity, and reminded the audience that the best kept secret in medicine is that under the right conditions, the body can heal itself.
Another huge benefit of attending was that the other attending health professionals were then asked to join her on stage and everyone was available for the Q&A
Lani Muelrath, MA ACE will be speaking on April 19th at Groves High School in West Bloomfield.
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Cathleen Francois is Asst. Executive Director, COO and sometimes writer for GreeningDetroit.com
She can be reached at Cathleen@GreeningDetroit.com
