Culinary Medicine: Webinar Recap & Building a Path to Sustainable Lifestyle

Unlocking the Power of Culinary Medicine: A Recipe for Healthier Living

As chronic diseases like cardiometabolic diseases continues to rise, finding innovative approaches to promote healthier lifestyles is paramount. Recently, we had the privilege of participating in a webinar led by esteemed professionals in the field of healthcare and nutrition. Hosted by the Michael and Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living in collaboration with experts from Rewire Health and Oldways, the webinar shed light on the transformative potential of culinary medicine.

Understanding Culinary Medicine

Culinary medicine isn't just about recipes; it's a approach to nutrition and health that blends food, cooking techniques, and nutrition science to foster healthier eating habits. Led by Olivia Thomas and Adante Hart, the webinar emphasized the importance of person-centered care in culinary medicine. Recognizing individual preferences, cultural nuances, and diverse learning styles is key to effective engagement and behavior change.

Building Blocks for Success

Quick recap: the webinar outlined practical steps to build a successful culinary medicine program:

1. Investigate Existing Programs: Utilize platforms like findhelp.org to explore existing culinary medicine initiatives and gather insights.
2. Assemble a Diverse Team: Collaborate with healthcare professionals, dietitians, chefs, and other experts to ensure a well-rounded approach.
3. Establish a Teaching Kitchen: Whether virtual, pop-up, or traditional, creating a space for hands-on learning is essential.

Resources and Strategies

Participants were equipped with valuable resources and strategies for program development:

• Content Curation: Platforms like The Complete Recipe Writing Guide and Rewire Health offer tools for creating and curating recipes.
• Cultural Considerations: Old Ways provides resources for promoting cultural and healthy eating habits, ensuring inclusivity and diversity.
• Evaluation and Funding: Explore funding opportunities and consider joining professional groups for ongoing support and training.

Putting Theory into Practice

The webinar wasn't just about theory; it offered practical demonstrations and discussions:

• Hands-On Cooking: Members showcased recipes like a no-cook black-eyed pea salad, emphasizing adaptability and customization.
• Flavor Enhancement: Techniques for flavoring foods with herbs, spices, and acids were explored, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
• Q&A Session: A cooking demonstration was followed by a lively Q&A, addressing topics like health inspection certification and curriculum accessibility.

Conclusion: A Flavorful Future

As we reflect on the insights shared during the webinar, one thing becomes clear: culinary medicine isn't just a trend; it's a movement towards healthier, happier communities. By embracing diversity, leveraging resources, and prioritizing hands-on learning, we can unlock the full potential of food as medicine. Let's embark on this journey together, one delicious recipe at a time.

A heartfelt thank you to the Dell Center, Diana Guevara, Olivia Thomas, Adante Hart, and all the experts who shared their wisdom during this enlightening webinar. Together, we can build a healthier future for generations to come.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights from our journey into the world of culinary medicine!

For a recording of the webinar, check out Michael & Susan Dell Center for Health Living's Webinar Archive: https://sph.uth.edu/research/centers/dell/webinars/webinar.htm?id=6284942f-6a99-4efe-8337-42f885a069d1

‍