That’s why I’ve bookmarked the site of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM). Founded in 1985, the PCRM is a nonprofit organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.
The PCRM will be represented at the Toronto Vegetarian Association Food Fair by its Director of Diabetes Education and Care, Caroline Trapp.“As a nurse practitioner I’ve been working with people with diabetes in an internal medicine practice for the past 15 years,” she says. But it was her own weight struggles that led her to really empathize with people dealing with Type 2 diabetes, which she says is largely a disease of lifestyle.
Four years ago, Caroline adopted a plant-based diet. Not only did her own health improve, but she saw her patients benefitting from plant-based eating.
Caroline went on to complete a master's degree in community health, as she always had an interest in populations and public health. “I was very fortunate to learn about the ground-breaking research of Neal Barnard, MD, on diabetes and other chronic diseases, and I now work with PCRM to share this information with the public and with health care providers.
“When I first started suggesting a low-fat, plant-based approach to the people who came to me for help with their diabetes, I did worry that this would be a bit too ‘out there’. I've since learned that I can't tell by looking who will and will not want to give it a try. I don't really try to convince anyone; I offer this nutrition option to everyone.
Counting calories or eating unlimited portions? You decide!
“Given the choice between the usual approach of calorie or carbohydrate counting and controlled portion sizes, or eating unlimited amounts of whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits, many find that a healthy plant-based approach has a stronger appeal. Concerns about the cost and side effects of medication, fear of complications, and just plain being sick and tired of being sick and tired have all proven to be powerful motivators to trying a plant-based approach.”
Clearly, for people who’ve eaten meat all their lives, going without a portion of meat on the plate can be a daunting prospect at first.“I think the biggest barriers remain lack of family support, fears about fitting in socially, missing certain tastes, and the convenience of a meat-based diet,” says Caroline. “Fortunately, many of my patients have successfully found ways around these, and allow me to share their stories with those who need inspiration and ideas.”
Are you interested in embarking on a plant-based diet but don’t know how?
Caroline has some advice for beginners. “I encourage a week of getting the right foods in the house, planning some simple plant-based meals, determining what to pack for lunch, and then eating 100% vegan for a 3-week trial period.”
Vegan means no meat, dairy, or animal products of any kind. If you’re uncertain which products are or are not derived from animals, not to worry, there’s plenty of help available.“Through PCRM, there are many free or low-cost resources available to help people get started,” says Caroline. “Three weeks is enough time to start to experience some benefits, such as weight loss, better blood sugar levels, resolution of bowel problems, improvements in chronic joint pain, or other improvements, which provide powerful motivation to stick with it.”
As you continue with a plant-based diet, you’ll find that your tastes start to change, and eating lighter starts to feel good. It's really exciting when someone finds that the medication that did not seem strong enough is suddenly too strong, and they need a lower dose or can even eliminate a medication altogether.”
Not just for people with diabetes – plants are for everyone!
“A low-fat, plant-based diet is ideal for people with diabetes,” says Caroline, “but also offers tremendous benefits to people concerned about heart disease, weight control, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, irritable bowel disease, acne, migraines, many types of cancer, and more. Years of research confirms it.”
Getting started on the road to healthier eating
Caroline offers this advice for those of us eager to improve our health, the tasty way.“Avoid any food that comes from an animal because of the fat, cholesterol, and calories. Fill up on foods that are unprocessed or minimally processed: legumes, whole grains, vegetables and fruits.”
Looking ahead to the Food Fair
“It is wonderful that the focus of this year's Food Fair is on health,” says Caroline. “The foods we choose to eat can significantly help us or hurt us. I greatly look forward to talking to those who want to take control of their health, and providing information that is supported by research, along with practical information for utilizing a plant-based nutrition approach for diabetes control.”
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