How Have Dr. Kathy's Cooking Demos Impacted Your Life?

Testimonial Provided by Robin Fowler

I have attended Dr. Kathy's cooking demonstrations twice now.  Both times have had a profound impact on my life.  You wouldn't think a simple cooking demo could do so.  But at the first demo, Dr. Kathy explained the effect my diabetes has on my body more clearly than anyone else ever has.  I was diagnosed with Type 2 about 7 years ago.  I have faithfully seen my Doctor each six months, have seen a nutritionist, and have read countless articles about how to eat for my diabetes.  But Dr Kathy finally explained it in such a way that it clicked.  I realized my nutrition has to change.  At that cooking demo, Dr. Kathy cooked 3 simple recipes.  A cauliflower rice stuffing, a fruit muffin, and some chocolate/avocado truffles.  I took those simple recipes as base recipes and started incorporating whatever veggies and fruits I had on hand, because now I buy more fresh fruits and veggies - and now have a variety of healthy, quick recipes.  Along with those recipes that she actually cooked (and we got to sample - and were quite tasty!), Dr. Kathy gave us a base recipe for roasted vegetables and a smoothie.  I used all of those methods - and as a result within six weeks I lost six pounds and my morning fasting glucose consistently lowered 10 points. 

I remember three main points that Dr. Kathy gave us at the demo - that I think more than anything contributed to my newfound success. 

1. Veggies are key - incorporate veggies in to everything you are eating.

2. Eat right when it is easy - when you are not having to make accommodations for others or only or only have poor choices in that dining situation. For example, when she brings her lunch for work, she brings a huge salad, because she doesn't have to worry if anyone else will like it!  Then if you have a work function and they only have pizza, have the pizza (90/10 rule). 

3. The best thing you can do for your diabetes is to not eat after 7pm.  (Now they call it intermittent fasting - but it has always been the best thing you can do.)

The second cooking demo I attended, Dr. Kathy cooked a simple veggie frittata and an additional protein smoothie.  Both yummy - and again, both recipes I can build off of.  What I learned about my health this time:

1. You need to process your food.  Part of that is preparing and cooking it yourself. 

2. Just because you're not sick doesn't mean you are healthy.  Health = resilience. 

3. The bacteria in your gut likes fiber - in fact, they have to have it to thrive - so...Veggies!

I should say also that each time, Dr. Kathy explained in layman's terms how sugar contributes to inflammation which contributes to cholesterol.  She explained how our bodies do need carbs and sugar - but how they need them and how to feed them to our body correctly. Each time she gave additional shopping and cooking tips and tricks, and overall diet/nutrition suggestions.  She also took the time to answer any question in a group or private setting.  These simple cooking demos are making a difference in my life for the better. I will be attending many more in the future.   What a blessing Dr. Kathy and her team are to me, my family, and our community!