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Nutrition consultation / cooking classes

All programs and classes are FREE for Bridges-eligible participants. The cost for non-Bridges participants is noted by each program.

One-on-one nutrition consultation

Food management is an important component of Journey to Health. The first step to making diet changes is often building awareness of one’s own eating patterns, dieting past and weight history. Meeting with a Registered Dietitian (RD) will allow the participant to sort out problem areas and set goals for diet changes. The participant will be asked to fill out questionnaires in advance of the appointment. This information will better prepare the RD for the appointment. If health issues are present, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, etc., they will be addressed during the meetings with the RD. Food behaviors, both past and present, will also be addressed during session with the RD. The overall goal is an improved relationship with food and success in weight management.

Appointments are available at Community East, South and Anderson and at Health Promotion Services.

Cooking classes

Excite your appetite! The purpose of the cooking classes is rooted in the need for fundamentals in the kitchen. We want to build the confidence of participants in their ability to plan, prepare and serve good tasting, pleasurable meals for themselves and their families. With this confidence comes the ability to carry through at home. We will be addressing cooking from several angles. We will offer classes for those who need to cook for only one or two people. We will also offer classes on how to save time in the kitchen and still provide healthful meals. We will offer classes on how to alter traditional recipes and still enjoy the taste. Learning to cook and sharing recipes in a fun, relaxed environment is our aim in the Bridges cooking classes. Join us for an enjoyable experience with cooking!

Classes are held at the following locations:

• BodyZone/Health Promotions - 6991 Hillsdale Ct., Indianapolis, IN 46250 Map it >>
• CHE - 1500 North Ritter Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46219 Map it >>
• CHA - 1515 North Madison Avenue, Anderson, IN 46011 Map it >>
• CHS - 1402 East County Line Road South, Indianapolis, IN 46227 Map it >>

Locations and Times

• Winter Soups: Easy chicken gumbo / Black bean and corn stew 
  • Monday, November 16, 5 to 6 p.m. - Health Promotion, 6911 Hillsdale Court, Large Conf. Room
  • Thursday, November 19, 5 to 6 p.m. - Community Hospital Anderson, Conf. Room 5
• Surefire Recipe Sharing - Learn more >>

Private cooking classes

You and at least 9 other friends/coworkers can have your very own private cooking class, led by a registered dietitian, where you choose the theme. We will work on location and times with you. Please call 317-621-4304 for more information and to register your group.

How to Eat

Graduates of the How To Eat program leave the dieting mentality behind – for good. They reconnect with how their own bodies feel hunger, appetite and fullness and learn to trust these body signals to guide their eating. As a result they are able to enjoy eating again and experience what true eating satisfaction feels like. They consciously experience knowing when they have had enough and are ready to stop eating – even with foods they had previously considered “off-limits.” As a matter of fact, that constant thinking about food goes away and they find that foods they would previously have eaten to excess remain in their cupboards and refrigerators until they are ready to eat them.

As you can imagine, there is a great sense of freedom in being able to trust your body. If you are one of many who struggle with eating, weight and feelings about both, the How to Eat program offers the opportunity to learn a different way to experience your food world. What would it be like to end the dieting/regain cycle once and for all? How to Eat informational sessions are offered throughout the year. Come find out if How to Eat is for you.

Locations and Times

• Check back for future dates!

Nutrition 101

Nutrition 101 is a 6-week series of classes that focuses on a variety of nutrition topics. One would think in this day and age with the Internet and food channels, we would know how to feed ourselves and make good decisions about food. We are bombarded with the latest fad diets that promise losing weight, having more energy – or even making us younger!

Nutrition 101 participants learn to slow down with food, take time to plan meals and find ways to make them meaningful, as well as enjoyable. We will provide the opportunity to try unfamiliar foods to help participants expand their food repertoire and increase meal planning skills. If you are longing for answers to questions such as: Why do some foods impact energy levels differently than others? Which breakfast cereal is best to eat? How do I plan a meal for a family that has a variety of nutritional needs? Sign up for Nutrition 101, offered at all Community hospital locations.

Locations and Times
Check back for future dates!

Grocery tour

We know that all cooking begins in the grocery, yet it’s easy to become confused about what to buy since there are so many food items to choose from. Learn to make educated choices—join a registered dietitian on a Bridges grocery tour, ask questions and be introduced to principles of grocery buying. Our tours will have four specific focuses: diabetes management, blood pressure management, cardiac risk reduction and quick meal assembly. Sign up for the class of your choice at the location that suits your schedule. All tours will be conducted at area Meijer stores.

Locations and Times
Check back for future dates!

Robin Stahl, RD, CD	Pam Estes, MS, RD, CD	Melissa Boyle Hehmann RD, CDE
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