news release

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is committed to providing research-backed nutrition education to the community.

As part of this effort, UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County is offering a new virtual program that helps participants build healthier eating habits through simple, delicious and sustainable food choices.

Cooking Up Health: The Mediterranean Way is a virtual educational series designed to help participants adopt practical, long-term changes rooted in the Mediterranean eating pattern. The program focuses on seven steps to healthier meals, easy and flavorful recipes and realistic strategies that can be used every day.

Jessica Alfonso-Rodriguez, a registered dietitian nutritionist with UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County, will guide participants through each weekly session with science-based instruction and supportive coaching.

Program details:

• Dates: Fridays from March 6 through April 10.
• Time:  Noon to 1 p.m.
• Delivery: Virtual program through Zoom.
• Cost:         $15 for the six-week series.

Registration is available with this link.  

Participants will explore topics including:

• mindful eating
• meal planning
• reading food labels
• understanding food labels
• incorporating physical activity

What to expect from the series:

With March just around the corner and National Nutrition Month approaching, this series offers an opportunity to learn how nutritious ingredients can support better health and show how food can act as medicine when used with intention.

The series is based on the Med Instead of Meds curriculum developed by North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. The curriculum emphasizes nutrient-dense ingredients and sustainable lifestyle habits that can reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Space is limited. After registering, participants will receive a welcome email from Alfonso-Rodriguez with Zoom access information.