Mar 8, 2007 1:54 PM
Air Force Adds Healthy Cooking to Body Composition Class
Staff Sgt. Natalie Gatewood, RAF Lakenheath nutrition counselor, chops a red pepper to add to the recipe she's preparing for a Body Composition Improvement Program healthy cooking class Feb. 16 at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt Scott Wakefield.
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, ENGLAND -- Members of the Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath Health and Wellness Center (HAWC) spiced up their Body Composition Improvement Program by providing a healthy cooking class.
Staff Sgt. Natalie Gatewood, a nutrition counselor at the base, noticed there was something lacking in the required sessions. Most of the participants either didn't know how to cook, used too many processed foods, or just didn't know how to make healthy choices, she says. So, when the HAWC underwent renovations and a kitchen was provided, Gatewood took the logical step as their eating mentor and started the cooking class.
The class is held for up to 15 participants and is required for those in the Body Composition Improvement Program. Extra spots can be filled by family members and civilian workers. The typical class starts with simple ingredients costing about $10 for a small group or family.
"It's not just about not knowing how to cook," Gatewood says. "I try to make my class (cook with) five ingredients or less for the most part. It's really quick, and I cook everything right in front of (them), so (they) know they can cook quick, healthy food."
The food normally takes less than a half hour to make, and provides lots of healthy tips throughout the class.
The food was great, says Ana Pinto, a class participant. "I'm going to make it tomorrow night for my family."
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