If you’ve never considered that chronic disease can be reversed, I want to share my story to show you how we can take control of our health.
Medications may help manage symptoms, but they rarely address the root cause. That’s where whole food, plant-based nutrition comes in. I learned that when we eat mostly fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans while minimizing processed and animal foods, it’s a powerful tool for prevention, healing and vitality.
As a mentor and volunteer at Plant Powered Metro New York,, I’ve witnessed how lives can change in just a few weeks through our Jumpstart initiative — something I initially did in early 2021. This month-long, low-cost program introduces community members to a whole food, plant-based diet.
Jumpstarts have supported our communities dealing with obesity, chronic pain and fatigue, and helped them regain energy, sleep better, lower their blood pressure and reduce the need for medications. Studies confirm what I’ve experienced: diets predominated by whole plant foods can reduce inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, and even reverse Type 2 diabetes.
Chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and obesity disproportionately affect Brooklyn residents. This community has long faced significant health challenges. In Brownsville, the obesity rate of adults has been recorded at 41% (vs 24% in NYC), with 33% having hypertension (vs 28% in NYC) and 13% being diabetic (vs 11% in NYC). In Flatbush, the numbers are similar: 31% have hypertension and 13% are diabetic. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) also reported that diet-related chronic diseases are a leading cause of premature death across all racial and ethnic groups in our city.
Yet, misconceptions stop people from embracing a healthier lifestyle. Many believe healthy foods are too expensive or won't fit their cultural traditions. One of the greatest myths about a plant-based diet is that it costs more, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Staples like beans, rice, oats, and seasonal produce are often far less expensive than processed foods or meats. I was surprised to find healthy plant food options right in my local dollar store. With the right support, healthy eating can be both culturally relevant and affordable.
Jumpstart is designed to meet people where they are, culturally and financially. It’s offered in English and Spanish, with a sliding scale for registration fees. Diverse culinary educators and peer mentors lead cooking demonstrations and market tours, ensuring a plant-powered plan that works for any tradition.
Health changes are much more likely to stick when we make those changes with others in our community. Our program creates a supportive network of participants and alumni, so no one feels isolated. Many prior participants, like me, are eager to share the good news with their communities and have become ambassadors to their churches and schools. In a recent program with Black community leaders in Brooklyn, 92% said they’d recommend this transition.
Adopting a diet of whole plant foods completely changed my health. A few years ago, I was asthmatic, faced pre-diabetes and hypertension, and relied on medication to manage my blood pressure. My life dramatically changed after joining Jumpstart; within weeks, I saw significant health improvements, lost over 25 pounds, reversed my pre-diabetes, and came off blood pressure medication, and I no longer have asthma. I saw many of my neighbors and church friends in Bed-Stuy facing similar issues, going to doctors and taking medication to keep their health in check.
That’s when I decided to become a Jumpstart mentor to help my community achieve similar life-changing results. I love to inspire others on their journey and bring accessible and enjoyable plant-based eating to any culture or budget.
If you or someone you know wants to make a real difference in their health or simply feel more energized each day, I encourage you to start your journey. You don’t have to go all-in overnight, but embracing change can lead to a healthier life: add more whole plant foods to your plate, explore new recipes, or join one of our English or Spanish Jumpstarts and learn what’s possible.
Rhotochia Atkins-Jones is a Jumpstart Lifestyle Mentor and Ambassador at Plant Powered Metro New York.
