On Wednesday, May 11th, the Urban Zen Center was home to the first Food Solutions event of 2011, a workshop of integrative healthcare professionals dedicated to changing the palate of America’s children with a focus on Diabesity. Lead by Culinary Nutritionist, Stefanie Sacks, M.S., and sponsored by The Palette Fund, the Stephan Weiss Studio at the Urban Zen Center was filled with a communal spirit committed to bridging the gap between nutrition and vibrant health.
The day began with a warm welcome from Joanne Heyman on behalf of Urban Zen and The Palette Fund, an organization with education and wellness close to its heart. From there, Ms. Sacks introduced the first presenter, integrative pediatrician, Stephen Cowan, M.D. Dr. Cowan spoke about the Diabesity epidemic in America and the importance of eating mindfully. He described how, although food was never a focus of his medical education, talking about nutrition is a major part of his practice. To promote healthy eating, Dr. Cowan encouraged participants to embrace a diverse diet and be mindful of portion-size. An “aha” moment spread through the audience with Dr. Cowan’s closing words: “Organic eating is making your kids a part of the process.”
After a delicious snack and restorative stretching lead by exercise coach Marcus Eave, Stefanie took the stage to discuss shifting eating habits through creative, hands-on cooking. From personal experience with one of her own children, Stefanie discovered that if parents change their own eating habits, their children follow suit. With this is mind, she explained what she called the “dance of the day,” a tour of culinary tables surrounding the Stephen Weiss Studio that served as nutrition education stations for the following two hours. Stefanie inspired and empowered attendees to take an active role in food lifestyle changes with stations dedicated to healthier packaged foods, an introduction to whole foods, getting kids involved in the kitchen, and coping with a picky eater. A knowledgeable team of chefs and dieticians manned the beautiful spread of carrot muffins, miso soup, broccoli and teriyaki sauce, among other delectable items. Each table included a series of tasting, demonstration, and hands-on work with the aim of combating Diabesity. For lunch, attendees enjoyed the fruits of their labor. One special highlight of the culinary lab experience was the group of young children on hand ready to give their insights and opinions about the colorful cuisine before them.
The first Food Solutions event of 2011 successfully ended with a collaborative Q&A session headed by Dr. Cowan, Stefanie, Marybeth Augustine, R.D., and Ruth Fehr. The panel answered questions related to snacking, the role of scent and taste in regulating appetite, and the consequences of using dessert as a reward. Each of the health and nutrition experts gave enlightening advice that will guide participants in their fight against Diabesity. To make sure all participants had the tools and knowledge to continue the culinary nutrition conversation at home, Food Solutions provided take-home workbooks that included tasty recipes and helpful nutrition information. Courtesy of Livestream, Urban Zen provided a real-time footage of the event for those unable to attend in New York City.
To continue changing the palate of America, keep an eye out for the next Food Solutions event!
Related posts:
- FOOD SOLUTIONS 2011: A GATEWAY TO HEALING Diabesity—Changing the Palate of America’s Children
- Food Solutions: A delicious way to enjoy from home
- Sold Out-Food Solutions: Reducing Pain Through the Food You Choose
- Nourishing Our Children
- Restoring Nourishment to Our Children’s Plates: Whole Foods Guidance from Birth to Teens
