By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

For those wanting to focus on being healthier in 2019, cooking classes coming to the Jemison Municipal Complex could be a good place to start.

A month of free cooking classes focused on nutrition and “a whole foods-based diet” will be offered by Women’s Health Community Service on Jan. 6, Jan. 13, Jan. 20 and Jan. 27 from 2 to 4 p.m.

“Each class will include several cooking demonstrations where participants will be shown step-by-step how to prepare delicious, nutritious food that’s appealing to the eyes and taste buds,” Anika Chrishon of Women’s Health Community Service said. “Each of the four cooking classes will focus on one of the following themes: healthy breads and breakfasts, meatless entrees, soups and salads and desserts. Class participants will also have the opportunity to taste samples, receive a take-home binder with the recipes from all of the classes and meet new friends. These new friendships can provide a way for classmates to support each other as they make healthy choices.”

Although participation is free, but registration is requested.

The group conducted community surveys and found that many people want to be healthy and help their families be healthy.

“There appears to be an interest in learning how to preserve and regain health by way of natural and affordable means,” Chrishon said.

For Chrishon, the classes also have a personal connection. A friend of hers showed her the benefits of “a whole foods-based diet” when Chrishon was in her 20s and having some health challenges.

“She took me into her kitchen and showed me how to prepare whole foods similar to what we will be sharing in the classes,” Chrishon said. “As a result of taking my friend’s advice, my overall health improved. Over the years, this way of eating has become a part of my life. I hope the cooking class participants will feel right at home as we take them into ‘our kitchens’ and share with them.”

Chrishon said she hopes the classes will help community members improve and maintain their health.

“Healthy eating is an important part of a well-balanced life that promotes a sound mind and body,” Chrishon said. “However, cooking healthier meals can be a daunting task for some. The classes will help people see it is not as difficult as they thought. Several of the recipes we will share are simple enough that even a child with adult supervision could prepare them.”

To register for the class, call 205-217-2267 or 205-280-1297 and leave a message including participant’s name and phone number.

The Jemison Municipal Complex is located at 14 Padgett Lane in Jemison.