At West Virginia University, innovative activities and solutions are being implemented to address the health and wellness of its students. Within the state of West Virginia, obesity levels are reaching alarming levels and there is a dire need for food and nutrition education programs. Additionally, not just any type of programming is necessary, but fresh and sustainable interventions that can stimulate change in both individuals and communities.
The recipes students created during A Taste Around the World
Yesterday, the WVU ISPP Dietetic Interns (that’s me) held the first of four sessions in the series titled, “A Taste Around the World,” on campus for a group of WVU students. The program’s aim is to increase students’ nutrition knowledge by exploring different culture’s food-related traditions and incorporating new foods into their diets. Throughout the program, students will gain culinary experience, experiment student-made recipes, and improve their overall health.
A student mincing cilantro
Yesterday’s Taste Around the World Lesson was a “Mountaineer Mexican Fiesta” where each student learned about a few food staples in a Hispanic diet and the health benefits of incorporating them into their diets. The program focused on four recipes influenced by Mexican culture, including baked tortilla chips, pico de gallo, chiles rellenos, and chilaquiles. Each recipe was substituted with nutrient dense ingredients that provided healthy alternatives by reducing the fat and calories and adding nutrients. Before the cooking began, students received a brief knife skills training, in which the proper cutting technique was demonstrated and taught for each ingredient in the featured recipes. Students were taught how to properly slice and dice tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers and mince cilantro.
Pico de Gallo prepared by WVU students
One of the best ways to learn is through participation. A Taste Around the World implements hands-on activities to engage students in learning how to incorporate healthy lifestyle behaviors into their routines. WVU Dietetics wants to help its students learn how to shop smart, cook well, and eat healthy! Moving one step at a time in the direction of fighting obesity!
Article in the DA, “Gettin’ Fresh”
Kaylyn Crosier, WVU Dietetic Intern 