The Community Center is offering the second in a series of healthy foods workshops when popular speaker Dr. Patricia Phillips returns on Saturday, Oct. 14.

The second workshop is interactive and will focus on pre-diabetes and diabetes. Those attending will learn how to prepare healthy food that’s also delicious by substituting plant-based foods for processed foods. 

A board-certified family physician in Yarmouth, Phillips is in the nutrition certification program at Tulane University. Her work and study have ignited a passion to help those suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes. As a physician intently interested in the effects of a plant-based diet, Phillips has seen the results of the latest research.

“For those who have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, there’s a good chance we can turn that around. Sometimes people are so successful at making lifestyle changes that they can get rid of their medications,” she added. 

She said 85 percent of chronic diseases including diabetes are directly attributable to lifestyle. “Exercise and diet are bigger predictors of diabetes than family history,” she explained. With encouragement to start with just one plant-based meal each week, making lifestyle changes can lead to better blood sugar control, weight loss, lower blood pressure, clearer thinking and more energy, according to Phillips.

The workshop starts at 1 p.m.and is open to everyone, including those who have diabetes or have family members with diabetes. Participants will join in making a healthy and delicious meal. Phillips expects to feature a soup and a dessert.

The third workshop in the series will involve a grocery store tour with Phillips, to show easily obtained foods that can be used in a plant-based diet. The date will be announced.

Those who would like to participate in the Oct. 14 workshop should contact the center at 633-9876.