Healthy Eating Explained Without a Sound

Last Sunday a group of deaf people gathered in the vestibule of Whole Foods Market in Darien, waiting to attend a healthy eating walking tour with in-store healthy eating expert, Ronna Corlin. The event was organized by Deaf Women of Connecticut (DWC), an organization which began in Darien in 1994 around the issues of including leadership, sexuality, mental power and women’s health, and how such issues affect deaf women.

The event was translated for participants by Christina Bronstein of Family Services Woodfield (FSW), a Bridgeport-based non-profit that offers American Sign Language (ASL) translation services as part of its community-oriented work. Bronstein has spent 15 years as a professional ASL interpreter.

“I wanted deaf people to learn how to eat the right foods,” said Alice Bianco through the interpreter. Bianco is DWC’s founder, and the organizer of this unique event. “It is so important to eat well, and I wanted to share Ronna’s message. I’ve learned so much from her, and from the Health Starts Here program at Whole Foods. I grew up eating healthy. My father had a garden and good, fresh food was part of my upbringing. I wanted to share that with my community.”

Participants were treated to samples that included freshly-made smoothies and sprouted bread topped with raw cashew butter.

As they walked and sampled, the group also ingested plenty of healthy-eating knowledge and tips from Corlin. “Your body digests sprouted bread like a vegetable,” Corlin explained through the interpreter. “It’s more nutrient-dense, and contains more proteins, vitamins and minerals. You won’t feel tired after you eat this bread.”

Corlin also explained that frozen fruits that come from a reputable source are a good option to sweeten any dish or even a smoothie. “They’re a better option than honey, because honey spikes your blood sugar. And berries cool your body temperature, so they’re a terrific option for the summertime especially.”

“I’m just so happy to share this with everyone,” Bianco told me through the interpreter. “It’s good to feel good, and eating right feels good.”

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