Aims

Using the changes in our understanding of food science to improve the diet and lifestyle of a targeted group of clients.  There will be workshops covering the basic food groups, as well as hands-on cooking of simple dishes in a nutrition laboratory. The course will be assessed using pre- and post-intervention lifestyle surveys.

Target groups

Any person wanting to come onto these courses can self-refer or be recommended by a health care professional (e.g., GP, nurse, social prescriber, or weight management programme) by filling out the form via the link below.

Inclusion Criteria

Any adult aged 18 and above who is considered to fall into the following groups:

• Weight management
• Pre-diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Mental health (not acutely ill)
• Adults who live alone, e.g. young adults, widow/widowers
• Carers
• Single parents
• Any person wanting to improve their understanding of healthy eating

All participants will also need a contact telephone number and an active email address, or access to someone who can help with the course evaluation.

The courses are all based at St Mary's University, Twickenham. Referrals at this stage will only be considered from neighbouring areas, e.g. boroughs of Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow.

Exclusion Criteria

• Some cases of mental health – because the workshops will involve some level of interaction with a partner in a pair or a group, referrers may consider whether the client is able to tolerate such activity without disruption. E.g. an acute relapse of a severe mental illness may not be suitable.
• Clients who are not willing and able to participate in the pre- and post-evaluation of the project, which will include simple written questionnaires.
• Any person who is not able to get to the nutritional lab independently. The nutrition lab is well served with public transport links, including the buses 33, and local rail stations, Strawberry Hill and Teddington.

Workshops

Each workshop will combine educational activities and hands-on cooking, illustrating the themes for that workshop:

1. Introductions – change behaviour, aims of the sessions, ultra-processed foods
2. The gut microbiome and plant-based foods
3. Fats and carbohydrates
4. Proteins, legumes
5. Nuts and seeds. Budget-friendly healthy eating

Costs and Resources

The workshops will be free, but a £5 booking fee will apply, which will be refunded at the end of the course if the client has attended.

All food and drink will be provided. No alcohol may be consumed on the premises.