This past Wednesday, March 21, 2018, I had the privilege and honor to present for Plant Based Lifestyle Traverse City (PBLTC). I was asked to speak about the dangers of dairy and my presentation was titled "The Dangers of Dairy: Why Eating Plant Based and Exercising is the Real Way to Ensure Strong Bones." It was a very exciting and special experience.

A Little Background:

In 2015, I joined the Plant Based Nutrition Support Group (PBNSG), founded by Paul Chatlin in the Bloomfield (Michigan) area. I attended presentations by numerous professionals that are leaders, of the Plant Based Movement like Dr. Esselstyn, his wife, Dr. Kerrie Saunders, and Dr. Pam Popper. I even got to dine with Dr. T Colin Campbell at Green Space Cafe in Ferndale, Michigan before his presentation. (Now that was an unforgetable experience!)

Then, in 2016, I left the Detroit area. Leaving behind an amazing network of support. I was sad that I would no longer be able to easily attend PBNSG events, but I stayed in touch and kept up with the happenings. I left the Detroit area to move to Leland Michigan, just outside of Traverse City. While here, I decided I wanted to create a community and somehow make it similar to PBLTC. I started hosting Plant Based Potlucks and volunteered at a few events to try to network. We had about 4 potlucks when I was contacted by Paul Chatlin.

It is hard to express how happy I was when Paul told me about PBLTC! Immediately, I joined and was excited to see Paul when he presented at the first PBLTC meet-up back in October, 2017. Ever since joining PBLTC I was eager to be involved, and I met with one of the founders, Leigh, to offer my services in social media & event planning. For the next 3 events, I helped with website, Instagram and to secure a key presenter, Dr. Kahn [who I had the honor of getting to know, while living and working in Grosse Pointe, and attending PBNSG events]. It was so much fun, and volunteering for PBLTC still is. In the last week of February 2018, Leigh asked me if I could present on the Dangers of Dairy or, she said, any other topic I felt inclined to discuss on March 21st. I was blown away! ME?! How exciting (mini-freak out). But then I realized, I am extremely patient about Plant Based Nutrition, attended numerous presentations on a variety of topics, and I am Certified in Plant Based Nutrition... so I have the education... I said of course!

This leads me to where I am now. Just a few days after presenting I am soo thankful I took on the challenge. I was able to present in front of 75 guests and I LOVED IT. It can be scary to do something you've never done before but, through this experience I was reminded, if you have enough practice, if you have enough passion, and if you really prepare, anything is possible!

Oh yea... The Dangers of Dairy

Let me get back to the title of this blog. I wanted to share some slides from my presentation and to encourage readers to start learning about the dangers of dairy for themselves. It is a topic that I find extremely important, yet so many are choosing to ignore the facts so they can enjoy their addiction. For me, it comes down to this, if you really care about your health and want to thrive you'll cut out the crap. So if you're interested... start educating yourself.

Some wise words:

“Bones are designed to last you a life time.” -Dr John McDougall

“It is possible to decrease the risk of osteoporosis by reducing sodium intake in the diet, increasing intake of fruits and vegetables, and ensuring adequate calcium intake from plant foods such as kale, broccoli, and other leafy green vegetables and beans.” -Dr. Neal Barnard

“Inflammation can improve within just four weeks on a low-fat, dairy-free, vegan diet. Pain, stiffness, joint swelling and tenderness all improved.” -Dr. John McDougall

<3 Katherine