The Mindful Meals event teaches students about cooking and nutrition.
Wellness and nutrition are a key value here at the University of North Dakota, and there are many different opportunities to learn about and practice these topics. One of these opportunities is through the Culinary Corner at the UND Wellness Center. Here, students, staff, and friends are able to learn about nutrition, practice cooking, and try fun new recipes.
“This is definitely a unique program we have here, that not only offers something fun to do but also educates me on nutrition and how to ease into cooking for myself in the future,” said So. Ellen Berry.
The foundation of this program is to educate the public on nutrition and why it is so important to a sustainable healthful life. Teaching the importance of a proper well-balanced diet with the goal of making the UND community more informed about food choices.
“Nutrition often gets put on the back burner when entering college due to lack of education, supplies and time, so having a free program where all are welcome to come learn and practice good nutrition makes it more of an everyday focus for students,” said. Fr. Caleb Winkles
Nutrition is such an important topic for a university setting because having a well-balanced diet is vital for students and staff to perform at their best. Dietary patterns show impacts on energy levels, cognitive functioning, ability to focus, mood and overall health, and well-being.
This program hosts a variety of cooking classes including kitchen basics, better baking, and mindful meals. The kitchen basics classes offer an introduction level where people new to and well versed in cooking are welcome. Here attendees learn about basic cooking techniques, customizations, and the importance of a nutritious meal.
The mindful meals program is still open to all but is more tailored to those with dietary restrictions and are interested in meal preparation. This program ensures that all people, regardless of dietary restrictions and preferences, can benefit from and enjoy this program. These classes put more of an emphasis on kitchen techniques, shopping tips, and nutritional substitutions that can help make proper nutrition more attainable in everyday life.
The last program offered is the better baking classes, where nutrition meets the balance of indulging and enjoying a sweet treat. These classes put a focus on the idea of being able to conjoin delicious baked goods with adequate nutritional value to get the best of both worlds when baking.
“Baking is one of my favorite activities that I have missed since being at college,” said Fr. Kate Christner. “These classes give me a great opportunity to not only bake while at school but also educate myself.”
However, if one cannot make it to these classes, all recipes and demonstrations are posted on the UND Online Wellness Resources webpage, along with many additional recipes to try. Additionally, extra recipes and instructional cards are dispersed throughout the wellness center for those to take home, learn something new, enjoy a nutritious meal, and have fun.
Cooking instruction classes held at the Culinary Corner are led by well-educated student instructors, UND nutrition students and guest chefs. Instructors will help attendees through the process to ensure an enjoyable time for all. Classes are held on Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the main level of the Wellness Center.
Whether you are looking to get into cooking, educate yourself more on nutrition, or for something fun to do around campus, checking out the Culinary Corner might just be the perfect fit. Find more information on the UND Wellness Center webpage or by stopping at the Wellness Center today.
Sonya Skar is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
