Natural Healing & Cooking Classes

Food as Medicine: Cooking School

Course Dates

Class 1 – Natural Detox Support: Thursday March 26th, 12:00 PM–1:30 PM PDT 

Class 2 – Anti-Inflammatory Super Foods: Thursday April 23rd, 12:00 PM–1:30 PM PDT

Class 3 – Fiber & Natural GLP-1 Boosters: Thursday May 28th,12:00 PM–1:30 PM PDT 

Class 4 – Ayurvedic Nutritional Healing: Thursday June 25th,12:00 PM–1:30 PM PDT 

Register Today

Overview

Food as Medicine at Home offers hands-on cooking classes streaming from the comfort of your own kitchen. The classes will apply plant-based nutrition principles to support balanced 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. 

In this new class line up, participants will explore unique health and nutrition related topics including natural detox, inflammation and anti-inflammatory eating, as well as the role of fiber for metabolic and microbiome health. 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

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

Menus and Activities 

Class 1 – Natural Detox Support  

Gentle and regular detoxification can help combat chronic disease, inflammation, and aging. This food as medicine cooking class will highlight practical and powerful ways to support our bodies natural detoxification through what we put on our plate.   

  • Culinary Topic: Cooking methods for nutrient preservation; reducing toxin exposure in your kitchen
  • Health Focus: Supporting natural detox pathways
  • Activity: Habit Tracker
  • Recipes:
    • Collard Wrapped Chickpea Tapenade  
    • Tahini Dipping Sauce  
    • Quick Pickled Vegetables  
    • Ginger Peach Ice Tea  

Class 2 – Anti-Inflammatory Super Foods

Addressing inflammation is a prime target for food as medicine. In this cooking class recipes will demonstrate use of functional foods with anti-inflammatory benefits while still enjoying beautiful plates and delicious food. 

  • Culinary Topic: Preparing pulses and whole grains; batch cooking
  • Health Focus: Fiber and Health 101 (microbiome, weight loss, cholesterol, cancer)
  • Activity: Meal planning
  • Recipes
    • Herb and Citrus Baked Salmon (or Tofu)  
    • Forbidden Rice with Ginger Turmeric Dressing  
    • Miso Glazed Bok Choy  
    • Triple Berry Apple Chia Compote

Class 3 – Fiber & Natural GLP-1 Boosters

A healthy body supports our functional goals of our everyday lives and nutrition can be a central tenant to our success. This cooking class will explore foods and food categories, like fiber, that naturally support satiety, digestion, and the body’s innate GLP-1 production. 

  • Culinary Topic: Preparing pulses and whole grains, batch cooking  
  • Health Focus: Fiber and health 101 (microbiome, weight loss, cholesterol, cancer) 
  • Activity: Meal Planning and Probiotic Food take home recipes  
  • Recipes: 
    • Lentil Bolognese 
    • Go Green Buckwheat Risotto  
    • Sparkling Green Tea with Basil Seeds 

Class 4 – Holiday Plant-Based Plates

Traditional medicine has exemplified the utility of nutrition for healing. Ayurvedic medicine is a prime example of food as medicine to achieve balance among the mind, body and "dosha" through specific ingredients and recipes for optimal health. This class is an introduction to Ayurvedic cooking. 

  • Culinary Topic: Cooking to sustain a healthy diet 
  • Health Focus: Macronutrients, micronutrients, and functional foods for disease 
  • Activity: Menu and recipe adaptations 
  • Recipes: 
    • Tofu Curry Salad 
    • Chilled Broccolini Salad 
    • Chia Seed Pudding with Nuts, Seeds, and Fruit 

Course FAQ

What will I learn?

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

How long is the course?

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.   

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 and recipe deck. 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, please ask them to 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 stands 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.