Dietetic students empower future doctors

On Wednesday, October 2, students from the College of Medicine (CMED) gathered at the Allen Foundation Culinary Nutrition Center to enhance their understanding of healthy eating and meal preparation. Under the guidance of Dr. Fisher, nutrition and dietetics students Kaitlyn Frisch and Ana Silvia Da Matta shared valuable insights with the CMED students, focusing on practical meal prep and nutrition strategies.

The session featured a demonstration on preparing a mixed berry kefir smoothie, a probiotic-rich option perfect for breakfast, and a nutrient-dense Mediterranean-inspired power bowl for lunch or dinner. The presenters highlighted the importance of planning and keeping convenient items on hand, such as microwavable quinoa and precooked beets, to simplify weekday meal prep.

“It was a fun evening of learning about healthy eating and meal prep while engaging students in our beautiful lab. We hope to expand these food demonstrations to involve more students in the future,” said Dr. Fisher.

The newly renovated Allen Foundation Culinary Nutrition Center in Wightman Hall boasts 12 workstations equipped with commercial-style ovens and modern food service equipment. It's a state-of-the-art facility that enhances the learning experience for students in the nutrition and dietetics program. Courses offered in the center include NDS 160: Introduction to Cooking, NDS 361: Food Science, and the newly added NDS 291: Introduction to Wine, offered each fall.

For more information about the nutrition and dietetics program and its course offerings, contact Program Director Dr. Najat Yahia at yahia1n@cmich.edu.