Nutrition

Remembering Edwin Krales, aka Dr. Broccoli

Edwin Krales, aka Dr. Broccoli, Alliance’s Nutritionist, passed away last month. Dr. Broccoli was a staple of our Alliance community, equally beloved by program participants, Peers, and staff. He earned his nickname 30 years ago when he relentlessly promoted eating veggies—going out of his way to bring fresh veggies to outreach events across New York City, many of which were held in food deserts without reliable access to produce.

Because his work at Alliance was so special to him; his wife, Marcia, and two daughters, Alex and Amelia, suggested a memorial gathering at Alliance during the time Dr. Broccoli would ordinarily be holding his first of two Wednesday nutrition classes, the week after his passing. They shared stories and photos of Dr. Broccoli, and Alliance staff, Peers, and participants packed the room to share their own stories, photos, and insights. In their own words, here is how the Alliance community remembers Dr. Broccoli:

“His convictions were strong. He helped me grow up. He will be deeply missed. A great man. An original." —Vladimir

"He would tell me to portion my meals, because he knew I wanted to take better care, but he knew cookies were my vice. He sent me notes and I frames them. I love that man. He was like a father to me." —Sylvia

“He was a powerful force full of knowledge, empathy and courage. I admired how he nurtured our clients with love and patience allowing him to sustain a unique relationship with each individual. His actions and words showed how deeply he cared for people. Even after I parted from the Alliance, he called to check in on me. Dr. Broccoli is one of my greatest memories at the Alliance." —Abeer

"He gave me his favorite bowtie... and a blender." —Joey

“We all look forward to Wednesdays with Dr. Broc. We'd talk about fishing. And he's saved my life by helping my diet." —Joseph

"I met doc years ago and he helped me figure out what to eat and not eat when I got to a certain age. Because of him... I’m healthier. I miss him.” —Mike

"One thing I loved about [Dr. Broccoli] was the reminder calls on Tuesdays... knowing that someone had me on their mind and wanted to make sure they saw me the next day. And I started going to the gym because of him. He instilled in me class, how to behave and dress.” —Abdullah

"He always looked out for people who didn't have a way to escape the heat and cold and would tell people where to go for shelter." —Marcia

Thank you, Dr. Broccoli!

National Nutrition Month: Spotlight on Nutrition Services at Alliance

“Type 2 diabetes runs in my family, I’m a sugar addict, and my feet and ankles started to swell up recently, so I soaked my feet, and went to the doctor,” one Alliance program participant said at a recent nutrition services group meeting. “She’s going to try to change my eating habits.”

“No, she’s not going to change your eating habits,” said Edwin Krales, better known at Alliance as “Dr. Broccoli”. “You are going to change your eating habits.”

“That’s right,” the participant, nodded.

During these nutrition services sessions, held weekly at Alliance’s Midtown Central office, Dr. Broccoli asks folks to share stories of their eating habits and nutrition goals. Some participants are eager to talk while others prefer to listen and learn during the hour-long sessions.

Dr. Broccoli pointed out that excess sugar has a negative effect on everyone’s bodies: “There is a neuroplasticity* to our genes. If we are predisposed to diabetes, can we reduce our risk of developing it with a specific diet? The answer is yes, and that reduces the risks of the gene expressing itself.”

Dr. Broccoli arranged to meet with the participant after the session to discuss specific options and share a sugar reduction sheet he had created, which is similar to calendars runners use when training for a race, building up progressively, week over week.

Alliance Peer Shirley LaRoche also had been attending Alliance nutrition classes for over 10 years. “My father used to pour sugar in his water, and even his milk,” Shirley said. “It’s milk, but it would turn grey because of all the sugar he was putting in, and I didn’t know any better myself. Now I don’t do that anymore.”

Shirley started coming to Alliance in 2009, and prior to becoming a Peer would walk over to Alliance during breaks from her job to attend Dr. Broccoli’s class every week.

“Now I’m thinking, if I eat this rice tonight, I’m definitely not adding potatoes,” Shirley said, “and instead of buying any iceberg lettuce [a notoriously nutrient-free food] I can eat some kale.”

Dr. Broccoli, who has been offering nutrition services with Alliance for over 20 years, was given the nickname Dr. Broccoli at an outreach event he led with another AIDS organization in the South Bronx for almost 30 years, because he constantly promoting eating veggies. He would schlep hours out of his way to bring fresh veggies to these outreach events, many of which were held in food deserts, areas without reliable access to produce.

Providing consistent access to fresh and healthy produce is a priority for Alliance. Dr. Broccoli notes, “The factor of social pressure is extremely important here. If you are trying to make a change in your diet, will you have support from your social structure? Will you have access to healthy foods?”

March is National Nutrition Month, and Alliance held three pantry events across all locations, on March 16, 17, and 30, which served over 300 large bags of produce.

Charles Waters, an Alliance participant for many years, met Dr. Broccoli at an AIDS Momentum Project in the Bronx over 20 years ago, and they have a jovial relationship.

“I like my KitKats,” he began, as Dr. Broccoli started shaking his head. “But when I’m having them, I think of Dr. Broccoli and I’m more mindful of what I’m going to eat the rest of the day, the rest of the week.”

“I’m more mindful of what I’m putting in my body because of him,” Charles added.

Charles wanted it added in this story that he has been HIV-positive for many years. It’s important to him to be open and represent people living with HIV to share his own experience in the hopes of helping others.

During the second nutrition session of the day, the group wrapped up its voluntary nutrition check-in and Charles transitioned the discussion to COVID-19, which the group agreed was truly “the second pandemic” of their lifetime, after HIV/AIDS.

The conversation became more scientific, discussing how HIV is transmitted through blood and body fluids, while the coronavirus is transmitted through droplets. After the meeting, most participants arranged to check out services with Alliance staff and Peers, or hung out to catch up.

Due to their popularity, weekly nutrition services meetings are open only to enrolled Alliance participants, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participants interested in attending an upcoming session, or scheduling a one-one-one nutrition counseling meeting with Dr. Broccoli, are encouraged to email Abeer Naseem at abeer@alliance.nyc.

Dr. Broccoli and Charles Water

*Neuroplasticity: The capacity of the brain to change its connections and behavior in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, damage or dysfunction