Food as Medicine at Home offers hands-on cooking classes streaming from the comfort of your own kitchen. Classes apply plant-based nutrition principles to support balanced healthy eating habits.
Participants learn about key nutrients—fat, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals—as well as therapeutic approaches for managing body weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, gut health, inflammation, hormones, and longevity.
Course Highlights
- Learn the benefits of functional ingredients, food combinations, and dietary patterns
- Apply therapeutic nutrition principles to common health challenges
- Experience plant-based recipes that are easy to prepare and delicious
- Develop cooking skills for menu planning, bulk cooking, and batch cooking
- Live Q&A with an integrative registered dietitian each class
Class 1 – Natural Detox Support
Gentle detoxification to combat chronic disease, inflammation, and aging.
- Culinary focus: Cooking methods for nutrient preservation; reducing toxin exposure
- Health focus: Supporting natural detox pathways
- Activity: Habit Tracker
- Recipes: Collard Wrapped Chickpea Tapenade, Tahini Dipping Sauce, Quick Pickled Vegetables, Ginger Peach Iced Tea
Class 2 – Anti-Inflammatory Super Foods
Functional foods with anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Culinary focus: Preparing pulses and whole grains; batch cooking
- Health focus: Fiber and microbiome health
- Activity: Meal planning
- Recipes: Herb and Citrus Baked Salmon (or Tofu), Forbidden Rice with Ginger Turmeric Dressing, Miso Glazed Bok Choy, Triple Berry Apple Chia Compote
Class 3 – Fiber & Natural GLP-1 Boosters
Foods that naturally support satiety, digestion, and the body's innate GLP-1 production.
- Culinary focus: Pulses, whole grains, batch cooking
- Health focus: Satiety, digestion, metabolic health
- Activity: Meal planning + probiotic food take-home recipes
- Recipes: Lentil Bolognese, Go Green Buckwheat Risotto, Sparkling Green Tea with Basil Seeds
Class 4 – Ayurvedic Nutritional Healing
An introduction to Ayurvedic cooking: achieving balance among mind, body, and "dosha."
- Culinary focus: Cooking to sustain a healthy diet
- Health focus: Macronutrients, micronutrients, and functional foods for disease
- Activity: Menu and recipe adaptations
- Recipes: TBD
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is each class?
Each class is 1.5 hours via Zoom. Plan 30–60 minutes before and after for grocery prep and cleanup.
Is this a vegan cooking class?
Yes, all recipes are 100% plant-based. The broader approach focuses on whole-food, plant-based eating; animal proteins may be discussed in context.
Will food allergies be considered?
Yes. Please indicate any food allergies at registration so the instructor can offer substitutions.
Can my family members participate?
Immediate household members are welcome to cook along. Those outside your home should register separately.
What technology is needed?
All classes are held via Zoom. You'll need a Zoom-compatible device. Links are sent weekly before class.
Can I contact the instructor outside of class?
Yes — email CINinfo@health.ucsd.edu.
A refund (minus your $50 non-refundable/non-transferable deposit) will be made for cancellations submitted in writing up to 7 days prior to the event start date by emailing mindfulness@health.ucsd.edu. No refunds will be allowed within 6 days of the event start date.
Please be aware that the registration fee, deposits, and funds are non-transferable to other programs.
In the unlikely event that the course is cancelled, UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness is responsible only for a full refund of the registration fee. In regards to in-person programs, the center is not responsible for any refunds to transportation, hotel accommodations, or any miscellaneous expenses.
Refunds are processed using the same method as the original payment (unless past 180 days).