HAWC reopens healthy cooking class

  • Published
  • By Airman Emily E. Amyotte
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs
Team Buckley members filled the Buckley Health and Wellness Center's classroom Jan. 17 for the first healthy cooking class of the year.

"I came to see what the HAWC offered," said Tech. Sgt. Nadia Barahona, Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado. "If you have the time and nothing critical is going on at work, for sure, check it out. If you're already going to be out for lunch, it's only an hour, so it's quick and it's a good time. Plus, you get food."

The HAWC is scheduled to host a cooking class the third Friday of every month for those interested in learning about healthy cooking.

"I want to teach better eating and good alternatives to what they're used to," said Angela Peralta, HAWC teacher and registered dietitian.

The class focuses on giving people the chance to discover healthy culinary alternatives that they may haven't previously considered, like breakfast pastries. The students were taught the importance of cooking from scratch and trading unhealthy ingredients for healthier options.

Everyone received a homemade pastry instead of the processed, boxed snack to which they might be accustomed.

Poptarts, which is what Peralta grew up on, have a lot of unhealthy ingredients that people may not have noticed or been aware of before, she said.

Classes give people the opportunity to learn and try new dishes they may have been leery to make on their own. Class attendees get to cook these dishes without having to spend their time and money on shopping for ingredients.

"People don't like to waste money, and I understand that," said Peralta. "So, that's kind of what this class is for."

The next cooking class is scheduled Feb. 21 and will highlight oatmeal and granola recipes in honor of American Heart Month.