Class One: The Joys of eating local and plant-focused meals. Inspired by Blue Zone pillar “Plant Slant” // 5:30–8:30pm, January 22
Session Description: Join Groundwork, Planted Cuisine, Dr. Tina Metropoulos, and Mi Farm Coop as we learn about the health and environmental benefits of choosing more local and plant forward meals for health and longevity.  This culinary nutrition educational program will start with Dr. Tina reviewing guidelines and recommendations about dietary patterns and our health.  Are we eating too many animal proteins and products? How will I get protein if I reduce meat intake? And your questions will be answered. Michigan is one of the top three vegetable and fruit producing states. A plant forward eating culture is part of the Blue Zone 9 Pillars, and we will explore if enjoyment and health can coexist as we help our community navigate these discussions while having an authentic taste and meal preparation using local foods that continue to achieve national and international accolades. A plant-forward meal will be prepared and shared in a group setting. Space is limited for this ticketed class. 
Registration required.

Class Two: Mindfully Delicious. Inspired by Blue Zone Pillar “80% Rule” // 5:30–8:30pm, February 5
Session Description: Join Groundwork, Planted Cuisine, and Mi Farm Coop as we learn about food preparation and eating more “mindfully” or “intuitively.”  We support the nutrition philosophy based on the premise that becoming more attuned to the body’s natural hunger signals is a more effective way of losing weight than counting calories, fat grams, or carbs. Eating until you are fully satisfied is easier when you add more truly nourishing local and plant-forward meals into your diet. This also promotes health and longevity. This culinary nutrition educational program will start with an overview of the concepts around eating more mindfully and provide some hunger and fullness rating guidelines and recommendations to get you started. How do I know when I’m hungry? What is my body telling me? Do we eat until we are uncomfortable? And, your questions will be answered. 

A more mindful and plant-forward eating culture is part of the “Blue Zone” 9 Pillars and we will explore if enjoyment and health can coexist as we help our community navigate these discussions while having an authentic taste and meal preparation using our local bounty of foods—even in the winter!  A plant forward focused meal will be prepared and shared in a group setting. Participants will have the unique opportunity to practice key principles of eating more mindfully during the group meal. Space is limited for this ticketed class. 
Registration required.

Class Three: Why Wine? // 5:30–8:30pm, February 12
 Session Description: Join Groundwork and Planted Cuisine as learn we learn about alcohol, health, and cooking with wine. This culinary nutrition educational program will start an educational session reviewing guidelines and recommendations about moderate alcohol consumption and our health. Michigan is one of the top 10 wine producing states. A safe drinking culture is part of the “Blue Zone” 9 Pillars  and we will explore if enjoyment and health can coexist as we help our community navigate these discussions while having an authentic taste and meal preparation using local wines that continue to achieve national and international accolades with each passing vintage. A plant forward and wine-focused meal will be prepared and shared in a group setting. Space is limited for this ticketed class. 
Registration required.

Participants will: 

• Define moderate alcohol consumption and a standard drink serving based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to promote a safe drinking culture.
• Review evidence for and against moderate alcohol use as a way to prevent chronic disease.
• Learn two new cooking techniques in a Teaching Kitchen setting.
• Enjoy a 3-course meal prepared and shared during this 4-hour culinary nutrition course.
  

Ticket price $85 per person/ per class Class size limited to 14

Sign up for all three at once and you’ll get a discount off your total ticket price @15%. ( $216 for all three! )

Paula Martin is Groundwork’s Community Nutrition Specialist.
paula.martin@groundworkcenter.org