Balanced Bites is a class developed for patients seeking to improve their diabetes and will combine nutrition and cooking skills to help you manage your condition. You’ll learn meal combinations and how to adjust recipes to keep your glucose levels in range. This class will include a cooking component, as well as provide brief education on carbohydrates and insulin resistance. Led by a dietitian and chef, you’ll leave this class with more confidence to self-manage your glucose levels through practical tips and new recipes.

Think you don’t like sweet potatoes? This class might change your mind! Join us for a hands-on cooking class featuring a quick, flavorful sheet pan meal that’s perfect for busy individuals and families looking for simple, satisfying dinner ideas.

We’ll prepare two balanced meal using sweet potatoes, vegetables, protein, and dairy while learning how to customize a sheet pan meal for your carbohydrate and protein goals. Finally, you’ll learn how sheet pan meals can simplify meal prep, reduce cleanup, and create leftovers that taste just as delicious the next day.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding a family, or looking for easy make-ahead options, you’ll leave with new recipes, meal prep inspiration, and confidence to recreate these simple meals at home.

Eligibility

• Open to participants ages 18+ or 16- and 17-year-olds if accompanied by an adult.
• No prior cooking experience required unless otherwise noted.
• Participants must be able to follow safety instructions and work independently or in a group setting.

What to expect

• Participants will be provided with all ingredients and appliances needed to prepare and cook a delicious, complete meal.
• At the end of the class, all participants will enjoy their meal together and leave with a copy of the recipe to recreate at home.
• Recipes subject to accommodate seasonal availability and freshness.

Attendance & Commitment

• Participants are expected to arrive on time and remain for the full class.
• Advance registration is required; walk-ins may not be accommodated.
• Cancellation policies apply (please provide notice if you cannot attend). We will provide a refund if class is cancelled more than 24 hours before start time.

Health & Safety

• Do not attend if you are feeling unwell.
• Participants must follow all kitchen safety and hygiene guidelines.
• Closed-toe shoes are required; long hair should be tied back.
• No outside food and drinks please.

Allergies & Dietary Needs

• While we make every effort to identify ingredients and avoid cross-contact, our kitchen is not allergen-free. Ingredients containing common allergens (including peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish) are used in our facility, and cross-contact may occur.
• Please disclose any food allergies or dietary restrictions during registration.
• Please notify us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions at least 3 days prior to your class so we can make reasonable accommodations where possible.
• While we strive to accommodate dietary needs, substitutions cannot be guaranteed for all recipes or sessions.
• Ingredients and recipes may change based on availability. Please review updated allergen information upon arrival.
• While we aim to accommodate, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

Liability & Waivers

• Participants may be required to sign a waiver prior to class during the registration process.
• By registering, participants acknowledge the inherent risks of a kitchen environment.

Other information:

• If you are unable to pay for a class, please contact us to be considered for financial assistance. Email: GSHP-ShepherdsKitchen@aah.org