ADULTING FOODIE COURSE
Fear not, we'll show your young adults how to stay nourished!!
No matter how old our kids are, we are always going to worry about their health and whether they are eating right. When our kids are living under our roof, it is easy to see what they are eating and notice whether they are making healthy food choices. However, when they leave the nest, it becomes almost impossible to know. We just need to trust that we have empowered them with the right tools to feed and nourish themselves. But have we??? Does school teach them about nutrition? If so, how much? And do they know how to apply that knowledge to their own life?
Many of us didn't grow up in the kitchen, and we didn't learn how to cook from our mom. As a young adult, the last thing I wanted to do was be in the kitchen with my parents. Just the same, many of our young prefer to be somewhere else or be doing something more "fun". Even if this is not the case, no matter how well-intentioned the parents or kids are, it is difficult to convey the necessary nutritional information if we don't have the right tools.
However, it is never too late to instill lifelong healthy-eating habits. As children enter adolescence and they become young adults, it is crucial that we teach them the importance of a good healthy daily lifestyle. Good nutrition promotes good physical and mental health, and reduces the risks for obesity and chronic diseases later on in life.
This course was designed with young adults and adolescents in mind. It is the perfect course for recent or soon-to-be graduates ready to move out on their own or for those kids who want more agency in their food choices and would love to learn to cook healthy meals. We will look at the basics of nutrition and cooking essentials with an emphasis on easy, and quick yet nutritious. The students will learn what a healthy plate looks like, the essential student pantry, and how to meal prep for the week. They will learn how to prepare healthy yet delicious breakfasts, lunch, dinners, and snacks and will leave confident to lead an independent, healthy life on their own.
COURSE OUTLINE
Intro
Parent-participation session
The course outline and PDF materials will be explained in this 30 minute session. We will go over what is expected of the participants and how the parents can support at home. The participants will be asked to take home a food journaling homework which will be explained in detail. Q&A session and special requests.
Day 1
What is a healthy plate?
In the first week, participants will have a mini nutrition course and learn what their plate should look like in every meal. We will look at the different food groups and how each affects their body. They will learn which foods they need a lot of, which only in moderation, and which ones to avoid completely and why. We will look at the food journaling homework and discuss it as a group.
Day 2
Exploring texture - Breakfasts
Participants will explore different textures as they learn how to cook a variety of nutritious breakfasts. They will compare and find out which textures they prefer and which ones they don't like as we look at healthy ingredients. Different cooking methods will be introduced. Take-home recipes for further exploration.
Day 3
Fruits and vegetables - Lunches
Participants will explore different fruits and vegetables as they learn a variety of healthy lunch options. We will look at the different flavor profiles and learn how to combine them. Sandwiches and salads will get a make-over with easy sauces and dressings. Take-home recipes for further exploration.
Day 4
Grains and starches - Dinners
Participants will learn about different grains and starches and how to cook them. They will prepare simple yet nutritious dinner dishes using a combination of the vegetables/fruits and some of the grains/starches studied. Take-home recipes for further exploration.
Day 5
Proteins & Dairy - Snacks
Participants will learn how much and what kind of protein is good. We will also look at dairy and the effect it has on the body. Participants will learn what to eat and drink when hungry or on the go. We will make healthy snacks that can be prepped, stored and ready for when the hunger strikes. Take-home recipes for further exploration.
Day 6
Student pantry and meal prep
In the final week, participants will learn how to stock the student pantry, how to read labels to make optimal choices and which kitchen tools are necessary for success. Participants will apply the knowledge gained and learn how to meal prep for the week. They will learn about safely storing or freezing food, how to shop/cook to reduce food waste and how their food choices impact the environment and the world as a whole.
In-Person Classes
How much
6 classes for ¥45,000 (tax incl.)
Book by May 15th and pay only ¥6,500/class for a total of ¥39,000
* Please inquire for payment options.
Where
Community Center Kitchen in Yokohama (Honmoku or Higashi Kanagawa) *Depends on center's availability and participants location.
When
Tuesday-Thursday
In-Person Session: June 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15
Time: 10:30-13:00pm
*includes eating time
Online Session: See below for more info
*NOTE: As per regulations of the rental kitchen and COVID restrictions in place, the maximum participants is 10. The minimum number of participants is 4.
*ADDITIONAL SESSIONS available upon request, as long as there is a minimum of 4 participants. So if these times are not good for you, gather your friends and request another session at your convenience.
Online Classes
How much
Each class is ¥6,500 for a total of ¥39,000 per session (6 classes).
* Please inquire for payment options.
Where
At the comfort of your own kitchen.
The classes will be conducted via ZOOM but you will get the recording sent via email.
When
Starting mid-May through the summer.
Please inquire for available dates and times.
*NOTE: There is a minimum number of 4 participants for the session to be held. So gather your friends and have fun in the kitchen learning and cooking together!!
Meet the Instructor
Martha Ruiz
"Hi! I will be your instructor. Here's a confession..... I hated being in the kitchen. The last chore that I would ever have chosen is to help make dinner. I was always busy and always had better things to do than to learn how to cook. Fast-forward how many decades?...lol Now I absolutely love cooking and I am a huge geek when it comes to learning about food and nutrition. My passion lies in sharing that knowledge and all the deliciousness that comes with it. Food is the ultimate nourishment of not only your body but also your soul."
The Importance of Food Education
It is time that we all learn about our personal health and how our food choices can not only affect our own physical body and mental state but also the future of our planet. Food education empowers the young to have a healthier relationship with food and build lifelong healthier habits. With a solid understanding of how food affects our body we are more likely to make wiser food choices, which will affect our personal health and environmental well-being throughout our lifetime.
Do you have any questions about this course?
Ask away! I'm happy to answer all of your questions!
