Signing up for a cooking class is thought to be a fun date night idea, an engaging summer bucket list item or a hands-on extracurricular activity. But have you ever thought about it as a tool for managing your weight that can help you build and sustain healthy habits with nutrition?
What Kind of Cooking Class?
Every cooking class is unique and offers different benefits. Whether you’re a professional, an amateur or a beginner, there’s something for everyone! Here are some common types of classes available that are available, depending on what you’re most interested in:
- Cuisine-focused: Learn to prepare and serve foods from different cuisines including Mexican, Italian, Tai, Indian, Meditteranean and more.
- Eating Style-Focused: Expand your skills with different eating styles such as vegetarianism, low-carb, gluten-free, sugar-free, low-calorie and more.
- Kitchen Familiarity: Learn your way around your kitchen with classes on oven baking, stove-top cooking, grilling, frying and more. Experiment with different cooking methods.
- Knife Handling: Learn to chop, slice and dice with safety and precision.
- Weight Management: Learn to shop for and prepare whole food-based meals that are low in calories and fat, but high in nutrients. These foods can help you make healthier choices.
How Can You Benefit?
A valuable cooking class will do a lot more than occupy your time with something fun. Selecting the right class will allow you to experience a wide range of different benefits:
- Develop an appreciation for different cultures, cuisines and eating styles.
- Build a variety of skills to cook nutritious meals at home more often.
- Gain the knowledge and skills to prepare and choose healthier foods and meals.
- Unleash your creativity and get outside your comfort zone with cooking.
- Build self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills.
- Sharpen your senses with taste, smell, texture, sound and more.
- Learn to use common kitchen tools safely and more efficiently.
Getting Started with a Cooking Class
Does a cooking class sound like something you’d be interested in trying? Explore a new activity this summer! Start with word-of-mouth and ask your family and friends if they’ve had any good experiences with local classes. Next, do an internet search for classes in your area. Some might be held at a designated store/building just for that purpose, some might be held a restaurant, and others might be held in someone’s home kitchen. Look at online reviews and see what other students/attendees are saying about the class. If you can’t find an ongoing class near you, there are almost always opportunities at fairs and EXPO Halls that pop-up year-round.
But most importantly, keep an open mind and have fun learning new skills and cuisines! Take a class while you’re solo or make it a fun family or couple’s activity. You won’t regret having new strategies and experiences under your belt. It’s a great way to invest in your health!
