Culinary Medicine: Real-Life Cooking Skills for Better Health

Led by Kayla Sipley, RD and Stephanie Grove, RN, NP, this hands-on culinary series is designed to help you build confidence in the kitchen while improving your nutrition. Learn how to prepare simple, balanced meals using practical strategies like cooking for smaller households, incorporating more plant-based foods, and making budget-friendly ingredient swaps. Each class focuses on real-life skills, from quick weeknight meals to reducing food waste and enhancing flavor with herbs and spices. You’ll gain the knowledge and tools to create nutritious, satisfying meals that fit your lifestyle, all while enjoying live demonstrations and samples.

Upcoming sessions

• Wednesday, July 29, 2 to 4 p.m. Upgrade your carbs
  This class is all about grains. Discover the many types of whole grains, health benefits and how to cook them. Learn the difference from refined grains and the importance of fiber in the diet.
• Thursday, August 27, 2 to 4 p.m. Comfort foods with a plant-based twist
  This class is all about “healthifying” comfort foods we all love. Learn practical strategies for increasing plants and simple swaps to increase nutrition. Discover the power of herbs and spices.
• Tuesday, September 22, 1 to 3 p.m. Cooking for smaller households
  This class is all about cooking for 1-2 people. Learn how to reduce yield in recipes. Find ways to improve nutrition without inflating your budget, and practical shopping and food preparation strategies to reduce waste.
• Monday, October 19, 5 to 7 p.m. Easy lunch/supper options
  This class is all about lunch and supper options. Learn how to build a balanced, plant-based meal with time-saver strategies and no-cook options to keep you going.
• Thursday, November 5, noon to 2 p.m. Soup season
  This class is all about soup. Learn how nutritious soups can be with budget-friendly tips and seasonal flexibility. Discover new ingredients to change up the flavor and keep soup interesting.
• Thursday, December 17, 2 to 4 p.m. Leftover makeover
  This class is all about leftovers. Learn how to save time by cooking ahead and using extra ingredients in different ways. Discover new storage techniques to keep your food safe and tasty.
• Monday, January 18, 2027, 9 to 11 a.m. Breakfast made easy
  This class is all about breakfast. Learn how to build a balanced, plant-based breakfast with time-saver strategies and no-cook options to stay fueled for the day.

How to register

Pre-registration is required using the online form. Each class is capped at 20 participants. If a class is full, the online registration form will say “sold out.” Please select a different date.

Class length: 2 hours | Age: 18+ | Location: Healthy Living Center in collaboration with the YMCA

Register now