“As a result of this, patients can be malnourished, overweight, or have tooth decay,” said Edmister, who conducts free vegetarian food preparation and cooking demonstrations.
The objective of the class is to help educate people in choosing the healthiest food, she said.
The SDA Church’s vegetarian cooking classes began in July 2011 and are held every second and last Sunday of each month from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Edmister said the class is open to anyone who’s interested in learning how to eat healthier, feel better and increase their quality of life.
“I was raised a vegetarian and continue to be a vegetarian. I believe that a healthy vegetarian diet includes balance. It is important to have a rainbow of colors on your breakfast, lunch and dinner plates! Fresh fruits and vegetables are superior to canned products,” she said.
Edmister emphasized the importance of whole grains and recommends brown instead of white rice.
White rice as well as white bread hold no nutrients, she said, adding they are basically “empty calories.”
In contrast, brown rice and brown or whole wheat bread contain many necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals, said Edmister, who has participated in “Cook a Rainbow,” one of the TV programs of the CNMI Diabetes Prevention and Control Program.
She said the TV program is very important for those struggling with diabetes or weight control.
“Daily diets of meat products will in time ‘clog’ the digestive tract and slow the mind,” she said.
The vegetarian food items highlighted in her class include biscuits and gravy, tofu scrambled “eggs,” how to prepare and cook dried beans, homemade granola, quinoa salad, coconut lemon bundt cake, walnut maple cookies, haystack cookies, BBQ eggplant, homemade soymilk, among other dishes.
“So if these items interest you and sound yummy (they are!) then you need to join our next class!,” she said.
Edmister said vegetarian dishes do not require more time or preparation to cook compared to non-vegetarian dishes.
She said she began cooking at home with her mother and have enjoyed it ever since.
“I love to entertain and have friends over to eat,” she added.
The “secret” in cooking vegetarian dishes, she said, is educating oneself to prepare balanced and healthy meals.
Cooking vegetarian foods, said, can open up a whole new world — “the world of fresh vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, legumes (beans), fruits and much more!”
She added, “I love preparing vegetarian foods for my family because I want my husband, daughters and myself to be healthy and happy.”
Her next class will be held on Sunday, Nov. 6, from 3 p.m. to 4 p. m.
Call 234-6323 for more information.
