Natural Healing & Cooking Classes

Seasonal Food as Medicine at Home

Course Dates

October 30, 2025-November 20, 2025
Thursdays, 12:00 PM–1:30 PM PDT

Register Today

Overview

Food as Medicine at Home is a 4-part, hands-on cooking series streaming from the comfort of your own kitchen, with a seasonal twist!

Each class explores how to apply plant-based nutrition principles to support healthy eating habits. Participants will learn about key nutrients (fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals) as well as therapeutic approaches for managing body weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, gut health, inflammation, hormones, and longevity.

This course is ideal for anyone looking to build practical cooking skills that support long-term health. No prior cooking experience is required.

Course Highlights

  • Enjoy delicious, health-promoting, holiday-friendly meals
  • Experience plant-based recipes that are easy to prepare
  • Develop cooking skills to combine everyday ingredients into balanced meals
  • Learn the benefits of functional ingredients, food combinations, and dietary patterns
  • Apply therapeutic nutrition principles to common health challenges
  • Practice building variety and sustainable eating habits
  • Enjoy a shared meal and learn techniques for menu planning plus batch cooking

Menus and Activities

Class 1 – Cooking for Health

Culinary Topic: Plating for nutritional balance; mixing textures
Health Focus: Blood sugar and satiety
Activity: Plate model

Recipes:

  • Mushroom Tempeh Polenta
  • Apple, Arugula, and Fennel Salad

Class 2 – Fiber Frenzy

Culinary Topic: Preparing pulses and whole grains; batch cooking
Health Focus: Fiber and Health 101 (microbiome, weight loss, cholesterol, cancer)
Activity: Meal planning

Recipes:

  • Lovely Lentil Loaf
  • Massaged Greens and Whole Grains
  • Cranberry Orange Relish

Class 3 – Keeping Cozy with Food

Culinary Topic: Heatless cooking, ingredient diversity
Health Focus: Inflammation and food-derived antioxidants; eating for longevity
Activity: Plant food diversity tracker — daily phytonutrient checklist

Recipes:

  • Creamy Carrot Potato Soup
  • Roasted Cruciferous with Nutty Tahini Dressing
  • Apple Cider Digestive Tincture

Class 4 – Holiday Plant-Based Plates

Culinary Topic: Cooking to sustain a healthy diet
Health Focus: Macronutrients, micronutrients, and functional foods
Activity: Menu and recipe adaptations

Recipes:

  • Apple Ginger Baked Tofu
  • Sweet Potato with Mighty Miso Dressing
  • Easy Garlicy Greens
  • Seasonal Fruit Compote

Course FAQ

What will I learn?

This interactive 4-class series will teach you practical, delicious ways to use food to support your health.

How long is the course?

Four weeks. Each class runs 1.5 hours via Zoom. We recommend setting aside an additional 30–60 minutes before and after for prep and cleanup.

How much does the course cost?

Classes are $40 each. Registration for the full course (all 4 classes) is $150.

Participants also purchase their own groceries. Recipes typically cost $4.50–$6.50 per serving and yield 4–8 servings per class.

What else do I get with this course?

Registration includes a digital class manual with recipes, shopping lists, and activities. All classes are facilitated by an integrative registered dietitian and include evidence-based nutrition education, live Q&A, and opportunities to connect with others who share similar health goals.

Is this a vegan cooking class?

Yes, all recipes are 100% plant-based (vegan). However, the broader approach focuses on a whole-food, plant-based diet. Animal proteins may be discussed in the context of balanced, sustainable eating.

Will food allergies be considered?

Yes. Please indicate any food allergies at registration so the instructor can offer substitutions.

Can my family members participate?

Immediate household members are welcome to cook along. For those outside your home, we ask that they register separately.

What technology is needed for this course?

All classes are held via Zoom. You’ll need a Zoom-compatible device (phone, tablet, or laptop). A device stand or case is optional but helpful. Zoom links will be sent weekly before class.

Do I have access to the instructor outside of class time?

Yes. Our dietitians are available for questions at CINinfo@health.ucsd.edu.