Mercy Hospital Offers PB Diet Classes

News9.com

Oklahoma City — Are you looking to lose weight but the diets you have tried just didn't work? Maybe it is time for a change. Mercy Hospital is now offering classes on the PB Diet.

Mercy's 2010 challenge is the PB diet, as in the plant-based diet.

"We're not talking about rummaging through the refrigerator and throwing out the chicken and all the meat," said Lori Manning, Mercy dietitian. "We're talking about a plant-based diet that allows you to still eat some meat, just less of it. If Oklahomans would eat more fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds and less meat, we wouldn't be ranked one of the unhealthiest states in the nation. It's really that simple."

And to help Oklahomans get in the plant-based groove, Mercy is offering 30-minute classes every Monday beginning January 25 from noon to 12:30. The sessions will provide:

• A step-by-step approach to plant-based eating

• A plan of how to prepare plant-based meals with lots of flavor and nutrition

"The benefits of a plant-based diet are unending," said Manning. "When you eat a variety of plant-based foods, you ensure you are getting foods high in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and you are reducing the saturated fat and cholesterol. You can also lower your risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes."

The classes, held in the Mercy Conference Center, will be every Monday beginning January 25 through February 22. Cost is $10 for the series. To enroll, call (405) 752-3087.