Northwest Kidney Centers Breakfast of Hope fundraiser May 14, 2013

Cooking Channel star and New York Times columnist Mark Bittman will bring his healthy eating tips to Northwest Kidney Centers' 11th annual Breakfast of Hope on May 14, 2013. The event will raise money for Northwest Kidney Centers' patient nutrition education, charity care and other services.

The breakfast will be held from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. at The Westin Seattle, 1900 Fifth Ave. KING 5 News consumer reporter Jesse Jones will serve as master of ceremonies. The breakfast program will focus on nutrition, an important topic because a healthy diet is crucial not only for kidney patients but for healthy people who want to stay that way.

Bittman's newest book will be released April 30. It is titled "VB6: Eat Vegan Before 6:00 to Lose Weight and Restore Your Health ... for Good." His message fits in with that of Northwest Kidney Centers: eating healthy foods and cutting salt saves kidneys.

In the new book, Bittman outlines the reasons that a partially vegan diet can dramatically improve one's health. He advises eating many fruits and vegetables, cutting back on meat and dairy, and cooking as much as possible at home. These habits, he says, lead a person automatically to eat more sensible portions and lose cravings for junk food.

"You can live healthier, not just eat healthier, when you eat with eyes wide open," Bittman says.

There is no charge for the Breakfast of Hope, but attendees are encouraged to donate $150 per person. For more information and to register visit www.nwkidney.org/breakfast. For questions or if you would like to host a table, contact Wendy Stauff at breakfast@nwkidney.org or 206-720-8585.

Official Website: http://nwkidney.org/donate/events/breakfast.html