On Thursday, March 23, 18 people joined the first Fine Food and Fitness class, led by Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agent Meleah Collier. A short presentation on food safety and menu planning and grocery shopping tips was followed by the hands-on preparation of a healthy meal. Divided into four groups, each one focused on one of the dishes: Beef Stir-fry, Chicken Stir-fry, Rice Pilaf or Savory Oven-baked Sweet Potato wedges.
After preparing the food, the group sat down to sample this delicious and heart-healthy menu. "When my sister-in-law invited me to lunch, I didn't know I would be helping cook it!" one lady said. Another said "I've been cooking all my life, and this is the first time I'm using a written recipe!"
Carol Caldwell, programming coordinator for the GHW Center, said "We did have fun!! The pictures don't capture the fun!! One interesting item: we made roasted sweet potato wedges, and the class was expecting to use cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar on the sweet potato wedges but they were treated to a more savory experience with ground cumin, ground cloves, ground curry powder, salt, pepper and olive oil!"
The group discussed times and dates for the subsequent 9 sessions of the food preparation classes. The consensus was for Thursdays, from 12:30 to 2:30, with a few skipped dates due to prior commitments.
The Fitness portion of the program will be held 3 times a week, dates and times to be announced. Fitness DVDs include Chair exercise, weights, balance, walking, joint health, prenatal, men's health, dance, yoga, pilates and more.
The attendees were excited to try out their new skills at home, and to invite friends. The program has been funded through a grant from International Paper; the videos will be played on the screens and projector funded by a previous grant from IP.
To sign up for the program call the center: 910-445-0269.
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