Aims

Using the changes in our understanding of food science to be better informed about food choices and cooking methods.

Each day will be themed for a particular style of cooking and will use a combination of ‘bite size’ science and hands-on cooking dishes that adopt a healthier approach. We will have with us either a chef from a local organisation or an expert for the theme of the day. 

Most of all we want this to be a fun activity, and any food that is made will either be eaten at the premises or taken away to eat later.

The courses are aimed at anyone who:

• wants to improve their understanding of what current science tells us about healthy eating
• wants to cook their chosen type of cooking and cook it in a healthier manner
• wants a better understanding about what ingredients are considered healthier than others

Format of the day

There will be interactive presentations from the course presenters throughout the day. You will work in pairs at a cooking station that will consist of a preparation area and a cooker.

There will also be a chance to discuss aspects of the themes in the larger group. All ingredients and cooking utensils will be provided.

All attendees will prepare a least one snack/starter, a lunch meal to consume on the day and one meal to take away at the end of the day. Refreshment non-alcoholic drinks will also be provided on the day. Please note that no alcohol is allowed on the premises.

Attendees need be over 16 years age. The sessions will start at 10.00am and finish at 4.00pm.

Themes

• The Mediterranean Diet – eating the rainbow!
• Healthier Options for South Asian Cooking
• Plant Based Cooking Made Fun

The Mediterranean Diet course

We know from population studies in the 1960s that cardiovascular disease was linked to fewer deaths in some Mediterranean countries, such as Greece and Italy, than in the U.S. and northern Europe.

We now know that the diet (and lifestyle) has strong links with lower risks of developing diabetes, high blood pressure and raised lipids.

This fun filled day will allow participants to learn about some of the key scientific facts about this diet and also learn how to cook some interesting dishes.

Healthier Options for South Asian Cooking

Everyone loves a good curry and Asian snacks!

However, a lot of take away and restaurant foods have high quantities of fat, salt and sugar (HFSS). And the same goes for supermarket ready-meals which can also have many ultra-processed ingredients in them to keep costs down for the manufacturer.

There are also a lot of myths out there about which fat to use in Asian cooking.

We hope to demystify some of the myths and look at what the science tells us. Come and earn how to cook some healthier dishes that also taste good too.

Plant Based Cooking Made Fun

Whether it is for the benefit of the planet, sustainability or for eating more healthily, the evidence for switching to a mostly plant-based diet is now stronger than ever.

The challenge can be, especially for children, how to make plant-based food tasty and something to look forward to when meat consumption is so high in western diets.  

You will learn some of the scientific evidence for a plant based diet in small bite size presentations. These will be combined with hands-on cooking of some delicious snacks and meals to feed your friends and families.

The emphasis will be on plant-based food rather than a vegan diet, although vegans will be catered for.

Dates

Saturday March 22^nd The Mediterranean Diet – eating the rainbow!

Saturday April 12^th Heathier Options for South Asian Cooking

Saturday May 10^th Plant Based Cooking Made Fun

Saturday June 28^th The Mediterranean Diet – eating the rainbow!

Saturday July 19^th Healthier Options for South Asian Cooking

Saturday September 20^th Plant Based Cooking Made Fun

All the courses will run on a Saturday from 10.00am - 4.00pm.

Costs

We aim to keep costs low and, as this project is a start-up, any profits we make will be ploughed back into some of the charitable aspects of the project such as courses for targeted groups.

Cost of day course £99 per person. If you bring a friend or family member the cost reduces to £89 per person. We feel this represents good value for what is being offered on the day.

This will include: all soft drinks, a snack, lunch to be consumed on the premises and a meal to take home with you.

Any enquiries please email: info.e4bh@gmail.com

Site

All the sessions will be held at The Nutrition Laboratory at St Mary’s University in Twickenham that has up to 6 - 8 stations that each has a cooker and worktop facilities as well as a break out area for group work. The nutrition lab is well served with public transport links including the 33 bus, and local rail stations Strawberry Hill and Teddington.