CARIBOU, Maine — Cary Medical Center is hosting a series of plant-based nutrition cooking classes in the Chan Center at the hospital.
Tammy Smith, a vegan chef and educator who previously conducted a plant-based nutrition seminar at Cary, instructs the classes. The first session was March 26; the remaining classes will be held one Sunday each month from 12 to 2 p.m.
Bill Flagg, director of community relations and development at Cary, said the purpose of the classes is to provide a basic foundation for individuals transitioning to a plant-based diet.
“We just finished a very successful plant-based seminar and we are anxious to bring people together for the follow-up cooking classes,” said Flagg. “Over the next few months those attending the classes will learn the basics of plant based meal preparation including
recipes, specialty food items, kitchen tools, and preparing the kitchen to go plant-based.”
Smith, a registered nurse, has become a key part of the hospital’s Healthy Hearts plant-based nutrition program. Eating such a diet has been clinically demonstrated to prevent and even reverse heart disease.
Flagg said her expertise is an important part of helping people to be successful when they move from the traditional western diet to a more plant-based lifestyle.
“We are very fortunate to have Tammy Smith associated with our program,” said Flagg, who has coordinated the Healthy Hearts program since 2011. “Her ability to demonstrate the health benefits of plant-based nutrition and at the same time create delicious meals really makes for an informative and enjoyable program. We hope that people who attend the cooking classes will incorporate the things they learn into their family’s nutritional regimen.”
There is a $10 fee for each classes, including materials and food samples. For more information or to register, call Cary Community Relations at 498-1112 or email bflagg@carymed.org.
