What is culinary medicine?
Whether you want to keep your heart healthy, need help managing your blood sugar or are seeking lasting energy for a busy day, a well-rounded meal is a smart way to support your wellness. But how do you get started with healthy cooking if you’re not familiar with it?
That’s where our culinary medicine program comes in. Hands-on culinary medicine classes, held in our teaching kitchen (or virtually), combine the art and skill of cooking with the science of nutrition.
It's an evidence-based approach to health that incorporates food and cooking with nutrition education. Through these classes, you’ll learn how to make small, sustainable dietary changes to support your health. Topics include the role of food in treating and preventing disease, the principles of the Mediterranean diet and cooking skills — all while making new, delicious recipes.
What to expect in culinary medicine cooking classes
Join us for free, all-inclusive cooking classes led by a culinary-trained registered dietitian — no kitchen experience needed.
For in-person classes, recipes, ingredients, cookware and materials are all provided. The only thing you need to bring is yourself. We typically have a variety of class options on consecutive weeks or months, so just pick the series that fits your schedule.
A sample class plan might look like this:
- Class 1: Cooking basics, kitchen safety and recipe reading. Introduction to the Mediterranean diet
- Class 2: Quick, easy breakfasts and how to read food labels
- Class 3: Healthy lunches, protein, vegetables and portion sizes
- Class 4: Delectable dinners, good shopping habits and legumes
You’ll get recipes and ingredients that match each day’s nutrition focus, and then break out into groups to cook the food. The best part? You can take home the recipes — plus any leftovers.
For virtual classes, prepare the recipes you choose at your leisure and send us a picture of your delicious meal.
FAQs
Where are Geisinger’s cooking classes located?
All classes are held in our teaching kitchen, located in:
Geisinger Multi-Specialty Clinic Selinsgrove
Susquehanna Valley Mall
157 Roosevelt Ave.
Selinsgrove
Can’t join us in person? Virtual classes are also available.
When are the classes and how do I sign up?
You can register for cooking classes through the Geisinger events page.
Each person planning to attend must register separately. Registering for the class series means you plan to attend all 4 sessions.
What if I can’t make these dates and times?
Do you have any other teaching kitchen locations?
How old do you have to be to attend?
Do I need to be a Geisinger patient or employee to attend?
No, our classes are offered free of charge to everyone. While Geisinger employees and patients are welcome, anyone can join, including those from other states and countries. Keep in mind that all session times are in Eastern Time.
What if I have food allergies or food intolerances?
Our online classes work well if you have food allergies or intolerances since you can make substitutions to your selected recipe. This way, you can enjoy the food without fear of cross-contamination.
Note: In-person classes cannot make substitutions, and cross-contamination may occur.
If I enjoy a culinary medicine class, can I come back again?
What’s the difference between in-person and online classes?
Both formats follow the same curriculum and recipe options. When you register for either, you’ll receive an email from culinarymedicine@geisinger.edu to confirm your attendance or cancel, and you’ll need to complete a pre-program survey and waiver beforehand.
In-person classes are held in our teaching kitchen in Selinsgrove. Class starts with an overview of the day’s learning objectives and materials. You’ll receive recipes and ingredients that match the day’s nutrition focus and work with other students to prepare them. Your instructor will offer feedback on techniques and demonstrate new skills. After cooking, you’ll enjoy the food with your classmates during a guided discussion. You’re welcome to take home the recipes and any leftovers.
Online classes are held on Microsoft Teams. After confirming your registration, you’ll receive a meeting link, directions and recipes. Before class, choose a recipe and gather your ingredients and equipment. At class time, log in and turn your camera on. After introductions, your instructor will lead a nutrition lesson, then guide you through preparing your chosen recipe. Prepare your recipe during or after class and submit a picture of your show plate.
What’s the Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet is one of the most evidence-based, sustainable and affordable diets. It boasts plenty of health benefits, particularly reducing the risk for (or managing) heart disease and diabetes while also helping you to maintain a healthy weight.
The Mediterranean diet emphasizes including these on your plate daily:
- Fruits and nuts
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Healthy fats (unsaturated)
- Lean meats and seafood
- Beans and legumes
Clinical nutrition at Geisinger
A healthy diet has positive impacts on your overall health. From creating custom nutrition plans to teaching group cooking classes or managing a medical condition, our registered dietitians and certified diabetes care and education specialists offer:
- Focused care: Personalized education and support keep you moving toward your nutritional goals. Our registered dietitian nutritionists will partner with you to create a treatment plan that meets your unique needs — whether you want to lose weight, prevent disease or just feel your best.
- Teamwork: Lifestyle and behavioral education, support groups, nutritional counseling and medical care all help you succeed throughout your nutrition journey.
- Evidence-based methods: This culinary medicine program was developed by the American College of Culinary Medicine and is a program offered by medical schools and universities nationwide. Its pillars are built on research on the Mediterranean diet, way of eating associated with better overall health and a longer life.
Geisinger thanks the Degenstein Foundation for their generous gift that made the Teaching Kitchen possible for the health and education of the community.