Eating for better health is the topic of two upcoming cooking classes

Many of us know that a healthy diet is key to maintaining and improving our health. Village Project is offering two upcoming cooking classes to get you on your way to preparing foods that will make a difference in your well-being, stamina and even your state of mind.

The guest host for both classes will be registered dietitian nutritionist Gretchen Spetz of The Functional Kitchen. Gretchen is passionate about helping people feel their very best. She believes that diet and lifestyle changes are powerful tools when it comes to improving fatigue, digestive problems, weight management and mood.

• Feed Your Gut for Better Health: Thursday, May 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m. The root cause of joint pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal problems and brain fog have one thing in common – and it’s all about the health of your gut. During this cooking class, you will explore the five steps to restoring gut health and learn how to make meals and snacks that feed good gut bacteria.
• Anti-Inflammatory Diets: Wednesday, June 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m. There are several popular diets like Paleo, the Mediterranean Diet and the Ketogenic Diet that claim to reduce inflammation. Which diets are the best and have the science to prove that they reduce inflammation and support overall health? This cooking class will teach you about the role of inflammation in chronic disease, the best nutrition strategies to reduce inflammation and lifestyle habits that can reduce chronic inflammation. You will also learn how to make quick, easy and delicious meals and snacks that include anti-inflammatory foods and nutrients.

Class structure will include hands-on time in the kitchen preparing recipes, followed by time to enjoy what you’ve made in the dining room while listening to more information from Gretchen. You will also get a chance to ask questions.

Both classes will be held at the Village Project headquarters at 27378 W. Oviatt Road in Bay Village. The cost for each class is $50 per person and registration is available on the Village Project website: ourvillageproject.com. Current and former Village Project clients may attend for free, but advance registration is required. Clients, please use discount code CLIENT when registering.

While at Village Project, don’t forget to check out Project Shoppe, the perfect place to pick up unique and locally-made specialty foods and gift items. Project Shoppe is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Village Project is now offering Meals-To-Go each week in the refrigerator case at Project Shoppe. The entrees are prepared in the VP kitchen and are packaged individually. Also available is Village Project’s immunity broth. It is made with fresh herbs and vegetables – making it a great base for your next soup and a nourishing option for clients who may have a loss of appetite due to the effects of treatment. The selection of entrees will change weekly and are available for $9 each. Immunity broth is available in 32-ounce pouches for $4.

All proceeds from VP’s cooking classes and Project Shoppe go directly to support Village Project’s mission to provide nourishing meals and extended services to our neighbors battling cancer in Bay Village, Westlake, Avon, Avon Lake and Rocky River.