Boost your wellness this holiday season: Program now enrolling

The Green Wellness Program: Plants-2-Plate has openings for a six-month program that promotes lifestyle change, including a plant-predominant eating pattern to achieve optimal health. Members of the university and the community are welcome to enroll in the program, which takes place at the School of Nursing Building on the Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Campus at 7703 Floyd Curl Drive.

The program may benefit people living with chronic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, fatty liver disease or obesity. Those who are interested in joining can participate with a friend or family member to provide extra support.

Available program dates

The program has openings for both September and October start dates.

Sessions in September will start on Sept. 25 with a deadline to enroll by Sept. 24. The sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Sessions in October will begin on Oct. 23 with a deadline to enroll by Oct. 22. The October sessions will take place Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Program addresses nutrition and lifestyle

Heidi L. Benavides DNP, MSN, RN, a clinical associate professor in the School of Nursing and the director of Green Wellness Program, said it has been rewarding to see previous participants reduce or eliminate the need for medication, reduce weight and improve their overall health.

"Participants have gained evidence-based knowledge of the six pillars of wellness - plant-based nutrition, physical activity, avoiding risky substances, stress reduction, restorative sleep and positive social connections," Benavides said. "In addition to reduced weight, participants have reduced blood pressure, improved diabetes with decreased hemoglobin A1C, improved fatty liver disease and much more."

Participants enrolled in the program are challenged to follow a whole food, plant-based nutrition plan, and will learn how to adopt a healthy lifestyle and eating pattern centered around foods that come primarily from plants. These foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and legumes.

The program encourages a strong support system through an in-person, shared medical appointment group visit.

The program allows participants to build accountability, trade recipes and learn from each other, said Benavides said.

In addition to nutrition planning, participants are also coached on ways to reduce stress through meditation, proper sleep and journaling. The program team members include a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner and a registered dietitian - all experts in plant-based nutrition and wellness.

Enrollment is available via an online form to inquire about learning more. Those interested in joining the program can inquire here or email Heidi Benavides at [email protected].

Click here to learn more.

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.