In Latin communities in New York City, chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease disproportionately affect thousands of families. Faced with this reality, a Spanish community program seeks to demonstrate that the solution can be in the same food dish.
This is plant health challenge, an initiative of Power Powered Metro New York (PPMNY) that combines education, practical cuisine, mentoring and community support to invite participants to transform their health through food. The next challenge starts on October 3 with virtual and face -to -face sessions.
A cultural and health experience
“Health Challenge is a Spanish community program that invites people to experience a plant -based food for 14 to 21 days. The big difference is that it is not just to learn theory or follow a menu; it is a complete experience that connects with our culture,” explains Aifra Ruiz, organizer of empowerment of the Spanish health of PPMNY and founder of Healthy with plants.
Ruiz clarifies that it is not a passing diet, but an invitation to discover how food can become medicine without losing flavor or traditions.
An example is the popular “Dominican flag.” Ruiz says that, in the program, the nutrient base of rice and beans is maintained, but the meat is replaced by “mushrooms”, tofu steak or stewed lentils, always seasoned with Creole sofrito. “The result retains the same homemade flavor and the same cultural experience, but with a positive impact on health,” he says.
The challenge lasts between 10 and 21 days, enough time for participants to notice changes. “The most common are greater energy, better digestion, weight loss, reduction of cholesterol and blood pressure, in addition to a luminous skin. Many people tell us that they sleep better, that they have less inflammation and that they feel more light,” says Ruiz.
Although the period is short, the body responds quickly when it receives foods rich in fiber, antioxidants and natural nutrients.
Accessible health for all
One of the central objectives of the program is that healthy eating is attainable regardless of the budget. “We know that the economy is a real concern, so we teach to cook with basic and accessible ingredients such as integral rice, beans, oats, seasonal vegetables and local fruits. We also offer scholarships, free materials and community classes,” explains Ruiz.
The message is clear: eating healthy does not have to be expensive, and a diet based on plants can be even cheaper than traditional.
While the heart of the challenge is nutrition, health challenge includes comprehensive health components. “We understand that health goes beyond what we eat. That is why we encourage walking, practice soft exercises or enjoy a zumba class during the challenge. We also include sessions about conscious food, mindfulness and stress management,” says Ruiz.
The community plays an essential role. Participants support each other through WhatsApp groups, where they share photos of their dishes, walks and daily achievements. “That exchange generates motivation and a real support network, because nobody travels this path alone,” says Ruiz.
Taste that surprises
The fear of losing Latin flavor disappears quickly. “The most common reaction is of surprise and joy. When they try a sancocho with more vegetables, a mangoo with avocado and stewed beans without oil, or tacos with beans and nopales, they realize that the taste is intact. Then they say: ‘I can do this!’”, Ruiz shares with enthusiasm.
That discovery marks the transformation: culture is not lost, health is gained.
Ruiz especially remembers a family that joined the 21 -day challenge. “They had already made small changes at home, but by living the experience together, they noticed improvements in their health indicators and, the most beautiful, they began to enjoy the process as a team,” he says.
Health complicity led them to cook, walk and motivate each other. “Seeing that the changes were sustainable, they began to share the message with their friends, family, their church and their community. That is the most powerful: we sow the seed and the people themselves multiply the message,” says Ruiz.
A vision of the future
The mission of Aifra Ruiz is clear: bringing this knowledge to each Hispanic family. “My vision is that each Latin family has access to this information and can be proud that their recipes are medicine. Dream that the day comes when, when health is spoken in the Hispanic community, the first answer is: ‘We will start with the food,'” he emphasizes.
For those who want to start but feel it is difficult or expensive, Ruiz offers a simple advice: “They start with what they already have at home. A plate of beans, a avocado salad or a oatmeal with fruits are already plants based on plants. They are not alone: there are programs, communities and resources in Spanish to accompany this path.”
The next health challenge based on plants begins on October 3 and has already opened registrations in plantpoweredmetrony.org/reto-salud. The cost is $ 150, with tight rates according to the economic situation of each participant.
Those who wish more information will be able to participate in a free informative virtual session on September 17 at 7:00 pm (New York time), where all interested parties will be resolved.
Beyond the price, Ruiz insists on true value: “Eating more plants is not a luxury, it is a gift for health and also for the pocket. And the best thing is that we do it with flavor and with our culture at the table.”
