New cooking classes schedule set for Mobile and Fairhope teaching kitchens 

The USA Health Integrative Health and Wellness Program will continue to offer its hands-on cooking classes tailored to the season. This quarter’s lineup includes classes featuring hearty soups, Sicilian cuisine, anti-inflammatory and MIND diets, as well as introductions to plant-forward cooking, and separate classes on plant-forward carbs, proteins, and fats.

The MIND diet is a hybrid eating plan combining Mediterranean and DASH diets, designed to boost brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease by emphasizing leafy greens, berries, nuts, whole grains, beans, fish, and poultry while limiting red meat, sweets, butter, cheese, fried foods, and fast food. It focuses on brain-protective nutrients like antioxidants and healthy fats, with specific daily and weekly goals, and has shown promise in slowing cognitive decline.

Multiple sessions of each class will be offered at the teaching kitchens at the Mapp Family Campus in Fairhope and University Commons in Mobile.  

At each session, participants can expect hands-on cooking guidance, recipes to take home, and a fun, welcoming environment.

Employees and their dependents on USA Choice, Select and Consumer health insurance plans are eligible to take classes for $5 each. For the public, and those not on specified health insurance plans already mentioned, the classes are $30 each.  

Classes may fill up quickly, as some employees are already taking advantage of this benefit. Learn more or sign up for classes.