COOKING CLASSES
Getting comfortable in the kitchen is a critical step towards improving your health habits. It’s much easier than you think to add some really healthful and delicious dishes to your repertoire. Be inspired and build your knowledge base with classes focused on stocking your pantry with delicious and health-promoting ingredients, using what you have on hand to create a meal, and learning what ingredients work well together. Choose from one of the four following topics, or schedule the whole series:
Glorious Greens:
Green vegetables are the foods most missing in most of our diets. Learning to cook and eat greens is essential to creating health. They are very high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamins A, C, E and K. They are also full of fiber, folic acid, chlorophyll and many other micronutrients and phytochemicals, plant chemicals with protective or disease-prevention properties. When you nourish yourself with dark, leafy greens you will automatically crowd out some of the foods that aren’t as good for you. No one ever got fat eating too many greens! You will be amazed at how delicious they are when prepared properly.
Great Whole Grains:
Whole grains have been a central element of the human diet since early civilization. They are an excellent source of essential enzymes, iron, dietary fiber, vitamin E, and the B-complex vitamins. Because the body absorbs grain slowly, they provide sustained and high quality energy, unlike processed carbohydrate products, like pastas, breads, crackers, and cakes. Even the whole-wheat version of processed carbohydrates can lead to insulin-resistance and diabetes if they are over-consumed. Whole grains allow you to feel satisfied without the health risks and weight gain commonly associated with the over-consumption of processed carbohydrates. Grains provide an excellent base for all kinds of vegetable or protein “toppings” and are the perfect “cook once, eat multiple times” ingredient for busy home chefs.
Bountiful Beans & Legumes:
Beans, actually one type of legume (a category that includes peas like string beans, green beans and lentils) are a nutrient-dense source of protein, fiber, minerals including iron, potassium and magnesium, and vitamins like folate. They also contain phytochemicals like flavonoids, antioxidants that inhibit the oxidation of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and prevent artery-clogging plaque. Add all that to the fact that they are relatively low calorie, filling, and cost on average less than 25 cents per serving, and you’ll understand why learning to make delicious bean dishes is an excellent investment in your good health.
The Story of Soy:
Soy is an inexpensive, high-quality vitamin and mineral-rich source of plant protein with lots of soluble fiber and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids. It is the richest source of powerful health-promoting phytoestrogens, natural plant substances that offer protection against a variety of diseases including cancer and osteoporosis. Soy is also known for helping to relieve menopausal and menstrual symptoms. Learn about which soy foods are the healthiest for you, how to prepare them in ways your whole family will enjoy, and which soy products should not be consumed in large amounts.
A two and 1/2 hour class in your own kitchen, including all ingredients, notes and recipes, can be arranged for a group of friends for a fun-filled night of helpful information and healthy dining. Great for women’s/men’s groups, book clubs, church groups, etc.= $50 per person (free for host or hostess if there is a minimum of four paying participants).
If you are interested in arranging a private cooking demonstration in your own kitchen, please contact me to discuss.
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SUPERMARKET & HEALTH-FOOD STORE TOURS